What is callus?

Callus or hyperkeratosis is the excessive build up of skin on areas of high pressure on the body. The feet are particularly prone to high pressures as the weight of the body is moving through the areas on a constant bases while walking.

What is the science behind callus?

Firstly new skin is continually being created and older layers being shed, the problem of callus is created at the stage of skin creation.

Lets talk about this in the context of the feet, as callus can happen because of many reasons on other areas of the body. Depending the foot structure callus can happen on different areas of the feet. If there is a large amount of pressure going into the area when the pressure is applied the blood gets pushed out of the area similar to when you push on an area of skin and it goes white. When the pressure is reduced blood rushes back to the area, this is called ‘hyperaemia’. This cycle of increases and decreased blood flow as pressure is applied and removed with walking causes unbalanced layering of the newly formed skin creating a harder than normal skin layer known as hyperkeratosis.

What are the treatments?

1. Urea or vitamin E based moisturisers (available from most chemists)
2. Removal of callus
   1. Pumice stones
   2. Podiatry appointment for scalpel removal
3. There are also other treatments that can be advised by health professionals.

We do not recommend using grater style callus removal or razor/scalpel removal unless by a trained professional.