If you experienced having a callus before, you should know how dealing with this problem can sometimes be frustrating. Calluses are usually described as the thickened skin that forms on hands or/and feet due to friction from rubbing and contact. This condition doesn’t require any serious treatment and one can get rid of it within a week or two, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shave them early.

Growing calluses is just one of the human skin’s defines mechanisms. In fact, players in fields and industries such as weightlifting, tennis players, guitar players gymnasts, and more develop calluses in their hands and feet to prevent any further damage from these activities. Unfortunately, calluses can become pretty painful, which is why shaving it can give a better experience.

Why do we shave calluses?

Calluses are sections of skins that harden because of constant friction. It has a yellowish or pale appearance and is less sensitive compared to other skin. These irritating patches of skin pose no harm at all to the skin. However, when the callus becomes thicker and wider, it can become very painful to deal with.

There is no way to remove calluses completely but to stop doing the activity that triggers it. For example, if you play guitar regularly, your finger calluses will not stop growing but will toughen up more. Fortunately, you can lessen the impact of these skin patches via a simple remedy: shaving it. One of the tools you can use for this endeavor is a callus shaver.

How to use a callus shaver?

  1. Get a good callus shaver

There are great varieties of calluses skin removers in the market today, but one of the most popular options is a callus shaver. You can do it slowly but surely using a manual callus shaver (where you shave off the callus by hand). Another option is an electric callus shaver, where a rotating roller removed the toughened skin. It’s really up to your preference and budget whether you choose manual or electric callus shavers.

  1. Make sure you have dry skin

It’s not ideal to shave your calluses when your hand is wet for some good reasons. If the hand is wet, it becomes harder to control the tool and might lead to accidental cuts. Besides, the skin is softer, in which you can get more skin than intended. Avoid shaving your calluses after taking a bath or after long exposure to water or any moisture.

  1. Drag the blade to the thickened skin gently

For manual callus shavers, put the blade at the edge of the affected area. Gently drag the blade across until small bits of toughened skin falls off. Avoid applying more pressure than necessary to avoid accidental cuts. For electric-powered callus shavers, get the battery charged before trying. Use the roller to the affected skin until all the excess calluses are removed. We recommend electric callus shavers for feet calluses, as it covers more area.

  1. Clean and rehydrate your skin after shaving

Cleaning the skin and its surroundings can prevent infection. After cleaning, you should rehydrate your skin by using moisturizers to soften the area and prevent the skin from drying out. This step is to make sure that your skin will smoothen up and will not look awkward and dry. Your daily lotion or cream with salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea is enough.

Take note: shaving is not the absolute remedy in removing calluses. The major remedy is to cut off on the activity that causes it. One should shave it only to prevent hard calluses that can break and become painful in excess. Don’t share your callus shaver to other people.

  1. Finish with a pumice stone (Optional)

To keep the skin smooth after shaving, you can finish it off with a pumice stone. Wet the pumice stone and rub it to the callus for 2 to 3 minutes using medium pressure. This will help remove deceased skin in the area.

Minimizing Calluses

Using a callus shaver should be the last resort for severe calluses. We don’t recommend to shave more than necessary. Fortunately, you can minimize callus formation by doing these steps:

  • Wearing more comfortable footwear – One of the major reasons for calluses in feet is uncomfortable footwear. Feet calluses (or even blisters) tend to appear in areas where the skin is rubbed often while walking. By getting more comfortable footwear, you can minimize friction and callus formation.
  • Apply moisturizer every day – Moisturizers can soften the hardened skin. We recommend petroleum jelly and other cream-based moisturizers.
  • Exfoliate your skin – You can use exfoliating skin products that you use with your face, as it does the same thing. Otherwise, try the alternative baking soda paste.
  • Use protective cushions – Get more comfortable socks to prevent feet calluses. For hand calluses, adding a protective grip can be a big help.

How do you use a callus shaver on your feet?

Why are callus shavers illegal?

Because the shaver is very sharp, injuries can result from careless use. For this reason the shaver is illegal in some places in the United States. A cellulitis infection is possible if the skin is cut, especially if the shaver is shared with others and not properly sterilized.

Is it safe to use a callus shaver?

It’s important to remember never to cut your calluses off or shave them. You may injure the tissue of your feet by cutting too far down into the skin. You can also get an infection from cutting too deeply into your skin. Using a pumice stone to scrub the calluses and remove deceased skin.

How do you use a foot shaver?

Use the foot scraper.

Hold the scraper against the foot and use a downward motion to scrape off any thickened skin. Continue scraping the skin until all areas of the foot are smooth.

Should you file your feet wet or dry?

Do: Soak feet to soften hard skin. Margaret Dabbs suggests plugging the drain when showering and adding a few drops of foot soak to soften any remaining hard skin. Don’t: File wet feet as this can damage the delicate skin underneath.

How do I permanently get rid of calluses on my feet?

How can you remove/treat calluses at home?
  1. Soak the callus in warm water.
  2. File the callus to remove some of the harder layers.
  3. Apply moisturizing cream or lotion daily.
  4. Use additional padding in your shoes.
  5. Exfoliate the bottoms of your feet.
  6. Look for products containing salicylic acid.

Why do calluses hurt so much?

Corns and calluses are hard, painful areas of skin that often develop on the feet in response to pressure or friction. They happen when the skin tries to protect an underlying area from injury, pressure, or rubbing. Neither is dangerous, but they can cause irritation.

What does a plantar callus look like?

The skin of a plantar callus is gray or yellowish. The skin may also feel hard, rough, dry, and flaky. It may be painful when direct pressure is applied to the area. Plantar calluses can be large, covering a wide span of the heel or the ball of the foot.

How do you dig out a callus?

Pumice stones

An easy way to do this is to soak the callused area in warm water for 5–10 minutes before using the stone. Adding Epsom salts to the water may improve results. Once the skin has been softened, use gentle circular or side-to-side motions with the pumice stone to remove deceased skin cells.

Is peroxide good for calluses?

Soaking smelly feet

Prepare a foot soak with one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts warm water and let your aching feet relax. The same treatment will help protect against spreading athlete’s foot fungus and even soften calluses and corns.

How do you make a homemade callus remover?

Mix together a solution of four parts water and one part apple cider vinegar and soak your callus for about 20 minutes. When you remove your skin from this soak, you may be able to better peel a layer or two of the callus off. Don’t pull too hard, and try to be patient.

What do spas use to remove calluses?

The two chemicals in most callus removers are urea and lactic acid, which will do the job, but most successfully if they are applied several times a week. If you want to ask the nail salon what is in the callus remover and they can’t show you the bottle, better to pass on the treatment.

How do podiatrists remove calluses?

Larger corns and calluses are most effectively reduced (made smaller) with a surgical blade. A podiatrist can use the blade to carefully shave away the thickened, deceased skin—right in the office. The procedure is painless because the skin is already deceased. Additional treatments may be needed if the corn or callus recurs.

Can a pedicure get rid of calluses?

Calluses and corns are hardened skin that can break and hurt if they get too thick. During a pedicure, don’t let the salon technician use a razor on your feet. Then use a foot file, pumice stone, or exfoliating scrub to remove calluses. Don’t go barefoot, either — it can cause calluses.

Do nail salons get rid of calluses?

Many salons will try and talk you into callus removal, as it is usually an additional service and charge. If you do opt for callous removal, always choose scrubbing or a chemical remover. Never allow your nail technician to cut or shave the skin off your feet.

How much do you tip for a $25 pedicure?

What customers do: The standard tip is anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of the cost of services, before taxes. Some customers tip more than 20 percent if it’s a low-cost service where the tip would otherwise be less than $2, or if they’re especially thrilled with the service, say our experts.

Do calluses go away?

Most corns and calluses gradually go away when the friction or pressure causing them stops. However, if you aren’t sure what is causing your corn or callus, if the hardened skin is very painful, or if you have diabetes, see a board-certified dermatologist.