Foot calluses, which are caused by friction or pressure on the bottom or sides of the feet, are thick, tough layers of skin. Calluses, which can also develop on the hands, act to protect the body from further harm. Home callus removal methods include the use of a foot shaver or a callus file. In some cases, such as when the calluses are unusually painful or infected, people need medical care to deal with calluses on the feet.

When people go barefoot, their feet come in contact various surfaces that are irritating, such as hot concrete or rocky ground. In addition, when people wear ill-fitting shoes or high heels, the shoes can rub against the sides of the feet and toes. Feet will then develop calluses as a reaction to the heat and pressure involved in walking.

Calluses look and feel different than normal skin. In addition to being thick and rough, foot calluses look dry or flakey. People may also feel a dull pain when pressing calluses.

Most calluses on the feet are not harmful. In many cases, foot calluses will disappear over time if the causes of the calluses are eliminated. For example, if a person who has calluses because of poorly fitted shoes gets shoes that fit better, the calluses will start to disappear.

Most people can treat their calluses at home. Those who have foot calluses can soak their feet in warm, soapy water. After soaking, callus sufferers can use a foot shaver on the foot, scrub the feet with a pumice stone, or rub the foot with a wash cloth to help reduce the calluses. Regardless of whether a person attacks the calluses or not, applying moisturizers will help the calluses to be soft and pliable. People can also purchase over-the-counter pads to use when wearing shoes to reduce their calluses.

When people try to treat foot calluses themselves and continue to feel unacceptable pain or develop an infection, they should make appointments to see their doctors. Their physicians may cut back the foot calluses with a scalpel or prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Physicians may suggest using patches that include 40 percent salicylic acid or they may suggest patients wear shoe inserts to reduce pressure and friction on the foot. Occasionally, people with calluses must undergo surgery.

Calluses on the feet can be more serious for diabetics because of poor circulation to the feet. Not only can foot calluses develop more quickly for diabetics than those who do not have diabetes, the foot calluses can ulcerate. In some cases, surgery is required to alleviate the problem.