Calluses are thickened patches of skin that develop in response to repeated friction and pressure on certain areas of the foot. While they are a natural protective response, they can become painful, inflamed, and uncomfortable, especially if left untreated. Understanding how calluses form and how to safely remove them is an important step toward better foot health.
What Causes Calluses?
Calluses arise where the skin experiences persistent stress, often under the ball of the foot, the tops of toes, or around the heels. Contributing factors can include:
- Wearing ill-fitting or narrow shoes that compress or rub against the foot. Look out for heavy seams around the toe box, as these often get overlooked but are a large contributor to callus formation.
- Repetitive motion from walking, running, or standing in inappropriate footwear, such as worn out, unsupportive styles with little-to-no shock absorption.
- Excessive pressure from foot structure changes such as flat feet, high arches or bony prominences/deformity.
- Footwear with little cushioning or support.
Addressing calluses effectively means both removing the toughened skin and reducing the stresses that caused them in the first place.
Read our 'Complete Guide to Corn and Callus Treatment' to learn more.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Calluses at Home
1. Soften the Skin First
Before attempting any removal, soften the callus to reduce the risk of pain and skin damage. Soaking your feet in warm water for 5-10 will relax the thickened skin and make removal easier.
Tip: Adding Epsom salts or a gentle foot soak solution can further help soften the area.
2. Use a Foot File or Pumice Stone Gently
Once the skin is softened:
- Use a foot file or pumice stone on dry or slightly damp skin
- Apply light pressure as too much can remove healthy skin and cause irritation
- File in a single direction rather than back and forth
This helps gradually reduce the callus thickness without causing cracks or bleeding.
3. Moisturise Daily
After exfoliation, apply a rich foot cream to keep the skin soft and supple. Regular moisturising:
- Prevents excessive build-up of thickened skin
- Reduces cracking and cracking-related pain
Moisturisers help maintain a balanced skin barrier for healthier, smoother feet. Read more about moisturising your feet here.
Our Pro Tip: use a foot cream containing urea
Daily application of urea cream can transform even the worst cases of dry, callused skin. This is something I've seen consistently in clinic; with the reason being:
Attracts Moisture: Urea is a "humectant," meaning it acts like a sponge to pull water into the deep layers of your skin and lock it there.
Exfoliates: At higher strengths (10% or more), it breaks down the keratin that makes up the hard skin. This allows thick calluses and dry flakes to gently fall away.
Softens: By breaking down tough proteins, it turns hard, crusty skin into soft, flexible tissue, which helps heal painful cracks.
Strengthens the Barrier: It helps your skin repair its own natural protective layer, making it harder for moisture to escape in the future.
I would recommend 5% – 10% urea creams for everyday use and keeping skin soft; and 20% – 25% to treat thick calluses and cracked heels. The high the percentage, the greater the 'keratolytic' effect.
4. Remove The Stress With Better Support
Physical removal alone often offers only temporary relief, because pressure and friction remains the root cause. To prevent calluses from returning:
- Wear cushioned footwear with good support
- Rotate shoes rather than wearing the same pair every day
- Use pressure-relieving insoles
If you regularly struggle with callus pain or frequent build-up under the sole of the foot, consider our ZeroSole Reliever insoles, designed to redistribute pressure away from vulnerable areas, and clinically proven to relieve pain from painful corns/calluses. Unlike simple filing, this approach tackles the underlying cause of callus formation.
Safety Tips - What to Avoid
While at-home care can help, it’s important to avoid risky practices:
- Do not cut calluses with sharp objects - this can easily injure healthy skin and lead to infection
- Avoid excessive scraping or aggressive abrasion
- People with diabetes, poor circulation, or fragile skin should always consult a healthcare professional before self-treatment
If your calluses are causing severe pain, appear infected, accompanied by redness and warmth, or persist despite self-treatment, seek professional advice from a podiatrist.
When to See a Professional
If calluses continue to return or cause pain despite at-home care and pressure relief measures, a podiatrist can:
- Provide professional debridement
- Assess gait patterns and pressure points
Professional assessment is especially recommended if there’s underlying foot deformity, or if you have conditions like diabetes or poor circulation that increase risk.
Final Thought
Removing calluses safely at home starts with moisturising and gentle exfoliation, but long-term comfort comes from reducing the mechanical stresses (pressure and friction) that caused them in the first place. Pairing simple home care with pressure-relief solutions helps you walk more comfortably and prevent future build-up.
Want solutions that actually reduce pressure where calluses form? Learn more about effective offloading methods in our ZeroSole pressure-relief research.