Every day I see people who have varying degrees of callus built up on their feet. Especially over the summer this issue becomes more of a problem and often this can lead to painful splitting or fissures on the heels.
It is really important to understand why you have calluses so that you can better deal with them. Callus is essentially an overgrowth of skin which develops as a protection to your foot where there is excessive pressure or rubbing. Your skin basically builds some extra layers in order to protect your bones and soft tissue.
Many people find these rough patches of skin to be unsightly and want rid of them. Certainly keeping them under control is a good thing but getting rid of them completely is not, as they serve a purpose. You can actually shave or scrub down your calluses too much. When you over buff and shave the skin of the callus, your skin responds by making more and you end up with thicker callus than you originally had. Too much buffing and shaving of calluses can also leave your foot tender and this too results in more of a buildup of callus, not to mention discomfort. The best care you can give your feet is to keep the calluses maintained.
Foot files , which can be purchased inexpensively from your esthetician, can be used daily in your shower. Simply spending a few seconds on each heel while you wash will help to keep them supple and smooth. Apply a good moisturizing cream before you retire in the evening. It really isn’t necessary to wear socks to bed. Socks can be helpful certainly, if you have an excess that you are trying to get under control, however as basic maintenance it is not necessary. These simple steps, done routinely, will leave you with beautiful feet all year long. If you do have excessively thick calluses, you should consider seeing an esthetician every 2 weeks until you get them under control. This does not need to be a full pedicure but simply a callus program to help get things to a manageable state. Naturally what is kept up with homecare will greatly influence your success.
During the winter months, particularly when we are wearing closed shoes, you should use a moisturizer with essential oils to prevent fungus. Lavender and tea tree are great, among others. Also, help to keep your feet dry by using a foot powder. Fungus loves warm, dark and moist places. In the event you do develop a fungus, make sure you treat your shoes as well as your feet to prevent recurrence.Remember calluses are vital to the health of your feet and they don’t have to be unsightly or painful.
It is really important to understand why you have calluses so that you can better deal with them. Callus is essentially an overgrowth of skin which develops as a protection to your foot where there is excessive pressure or rubbing. Your skin basically builds some extra layers in order to protect your bones and soft tissue.
Many people find these rough patches of skin to be unsightly and want rid of them. Certainly keeping them under control is a good thing but getting rid of them completely is not, as they serve a purpose. You can actually shave or scrub down your calluses too much. When you over buff and shave the skin of the callus, your skin responds by making more and you end up with thicker callus than you originally had. Too much buffing and shaving of calluses can also leave your foot tender and this too results in more of a buildup of callus, not to mention discomfort. The best care you can give your feet is to keep the calluses maintained.
Foot files , which can be purchased inexpensively from your esthetician, can be used daily in your shower. Simply spending a few seconds on each heel while you wash will help to keep them supple and smooth. Apply a good moisturizing cream before you retire in the evening. It really isn’t necessary to wear socks to bed. Socks can be helpful certainly, if you have an excess that you are trying to get under control, however as basic maintenance it is not necessary. These simple steps, done routinely, will leave you with beautiful feet all year long. If you do have excessively thick calluses, you should consider seeing an esthetician every 2 weeks until you get them under control. This does not need to be a full pedicure but simply a callus program to help get things to a manageable state. Naturally what is kept up with homecare will greatly influence your success.
During the winter months, particularly when we are wearing closed shoes, you should use a moisturizer with essential oils to prevent fungus. Lavender and tea tree are great, among others. Also, help to keep your feet dry by using a foot powder. Fungus loves warm, dark and moist places. In the event you do develop a fungus, make sure you treat your shoes as well as your feet to prevent recurrence.Remember calluses are vital to the health of your feet and they don’t have to be unsightly or painful.
If you are looking for a foot product best suited to your needs, ask your esthetician or feel free to email me for more information.
