Learn How to Effectively Remove Callouses

Pumice stone allows us to remove dead skin tissue. We can use it after a relaxing foot bath, or even better, after other treatments to multiply its effectiveness.
Learn How to Effectively Remove Callouses
Karla Henríquez

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Last update: 26 May, 2022

Callouses are hard spots which generally appear on the toes and other areas of the feet. But because they’re so hard and unpleasant to look at, many people want to find ways to remove callouses easily.

This problem occurs when too much friction or pressure is exerted on the feet or hands. This initiates a defense mechanism in which the skin tries to protect itself against the formation of blisters that can become infected.

Although in the beginning, callouses may not cause pain or irritation, with the passing of time they can become painful and make walking and other daily activity very difficult.

Many people make the mistake of tearing off or slicing off the callouses in an attempt to reduce the unsightly appearance of dry, thick skin. However, this can be very painful and can open up the skin to infections that can make the problem even more serious. Because of this reason, we should look for other alternatives to remove callouses. You must also be very patient during the elimination process.

Although there are a variety of home remedies that can help to remove callouses naturally, in the case of people with diabetes or other conditions that inhibit blood circulation, it’s recommended that we seek advice from a doctor. For those who don’t have any problems with using home treatments, don’t miss out on the following tips and remedies to eliminate callouses.

Tips to naturally prevent and remove callouses

Feet massage

The first thing you should do in order to prevent and remove callouses is to replace any shoes that might be causing irritation to your feet. Often times, shoes can be too tight, especially in the toe end area, which makes this type of lesion appear; if you don’t change this, it will be difficult to eliminate the callouses completely.

As much as possible, you should wear shoes that are comfortable and allow air flow. Thus, you should try to wear socks when wearing closed toe shoes.

And some other recommendations are:

  • Keep the skin of your feet clean and dry at all times. If you are one who suffers from sweaty feet, do not forget to use an antiperspirant and socks.
  • After a difficult day, prepare a bath for your feet with a little hot water and liquid soap. Let your feet soak for 10 minutes and you will feel relief.

Natural treatments to remove callouses

Pumice stone

To begin this treatment you should soak your feet in hot water for 20 minutes. After this time, use a pumice stone to scrape or sand the callouses by moving the stone across them.

Rinse the stone and your feet periodically in order to remove the small residues that build up during the scraping of the callouses. Keep sanding as long as necessary until reaching the skin surface. But, be careful not to scrape the layer of healthy skin. When your feet are pink and you see a difference in the callouses you can stop the treatment.

Treatment with garlic and lemon

Garlic and lemon to remove callouses

This treatment with lemon and garlic can help to remove dead skin cells which have accumulated in the callouses. At the same time, it makes them softer them to facilitate their removal.

The only think you need to do is mix a teaspoon of dry chamomile with the juice of a lemon and a clove of crushed garlic. Apply this mixture to the affected area; let it sit for 20 minutes and then remove it with warm water.

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

An affordable productthat’s easy to acquire such as baking soda is also ideal for removing those irritating and painful callouses.

You simply dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in warm water and soak your feet in it for 30 minutes.

Treatment with onion, lemon and salt

Onion to remove callouses

This treatment can help eliminate bacteria and dead skins cells that may have accumulated in the callouses. The lemon and onion help provide a deep cleanse to the skin to soften it, while the salt helps to exfoliate naturally.

Just slice a piece of onion and place it on the callous.  Then add a few drops of the lemon juice and salt on top. Cover it with a bandage or adhesive in order to hold it on the callous all night long, and then repeat the procedure each evening.

Treatment with tomato

Another way to soften and remove callouses naturally is using the properties of tomatoes. This ingredient will help soften the hard callous and make it easier to remove. 

You only need to extract the pulp from a tomato and apply it directly over the affected area. Afterwards, cover it with a bandage and let it sit all night. Repeat the treatment daily, just before bedtime.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.