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How Do I Choose the Best Callus Lotion?

Kathleen Howard
Kathleen Howard

Callus lotions are topical ointments designed to break down hard, dry layers of skin. To choose the best callus lotion, select one that contains acids strong enough to penetrate and soften your calluses. Since these acids can be fairly harsh, it is also important to choose a cream that will not leave the area tender or irritated. To protect against irritation, look for a lotion that contains foot moisturizers, nourishing extracts or hydrocortisone to hydrate the skin and reduce pain. If your calluses do not improve after using an over-the-counter callus lotion, visit your physician to determine whether you need a prescription-strength formula or additional treatment.

To choose an effective callus lotion, look for products that contain acids that will break down and remove your calluses. The acid most commonly used for this purpose is salicylic acid. Callus creams containing salicylic acid usually come in strengths between two and 10 percent. While stronger lotions will be more effective, they also have more potential to be irritating.

Callus lotion.
Callus lotion.

Lactic acid, urea, alpha hydroxy acids, and vitamin E are also used in many foot lotions. If you are sensitive to salicylic acid, these ingredients might be less irritating. Some creams also contain a combination of these substances in order to increase the potency of the product.

In addition to softening ingredients, a callus lotion should also contain moisturizing agents and other ingredients to nourish the skin. The best callus lotions work two different ways. They break down hard callused skin, while drawing moisture into the tissue. This makes the skin more pliable and easy to remove. Nourished skin will also be less likely to become irritated when exposed to the harsher ingredients in the cream.

Calluses may be caused by ill fitting shoes.
Calluses may be caused by ill fitting shoes.

When choosing a callus lotion, look for one that contains natural moisturizers like shea butter, aloe and glycerin. Also look for formulas that include plant extracts, oils and vitamins that will hydrate and improve the health of your skin. If your skin becomes irritated after using a callus cream, apply a hydrocortisone cream to reduce any redness, irritation or soreness. These creams are available both over the counter and by prescription.

A callus may be defined as a patch of hard, rough skin that may develop due to friction.
A callus may be defined as a patch of hard, rough skin that may develop due to friction.

If your calluses fail to improve after using callus lotion, you might want to consult your physician. Strong salicylic acid creams and other ointments are available by prescription. While over-the-counter creams are usually enough to improve calluses, severe cases might require a prescription medication. If your calluses are causing pain, your physician might also decide to remove them manually or use a combination of treatments.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

I have found that the best way to help a callus heal fast consists of a two-step approach. First of all, you will need a callus lotion with some of the ingredients mentioned in this article. I personally prefer one with aloe vera, because this ingredient is very healing.

Next, you will need a bandage that is large enough to completely cover your callus. If it is not large enough, it could fall off before your callus gets the benefits from being covered.

After smoothing on the callus lotion, place the bandage over your callus. This will keep the lotion in place while locking in moisture that will soften and soothe your callus.

Repeat this process at least twice a day until your callus heals. You will most likely find that covering your callus as you treat it with lotion will work for you.

Heavanet

Mixing a callus lotion with a foot lotion that contain mint is a great way to soothe and refresh your feet while your callus is healing. While callus lotion has active ingredients that soften calluses, mint foot lotion will work with it to make your callus heal faster.

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    • Callus lotion.
      By: michelangelus
      Callus lotion.
    • Calluses may be caused by ill fitting shoes.
      By: naka
      Calluses may be caused by ill fitting shoes.
    • A callus may be defined as a patch of hard, rough skin that may develop due to friction.
      By: Quinn Dombrowski
      A callus may be defined as a patch of hard, rough skin that may develop due to friction.
    • Calluses typically form on the bottom of the foot.
      By: MAST
      Calluses typically form on the bottom of the foot.
    • Callus lotion can be used to soften calluses obtained from walking barefoot.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Callus lotion can be used to soften calluses obtained from walking barefoot.
    • Often used as a type of keratin softener for skin, salicylic acid can be derived from willow bark.
      By: marilyn barbone
      Often used as a type of keratin softener for skin, salicylic acid can be derived from willow bark.