Callus removal is a podiatry procedure that removes thickened skin caused by repeated pressure or repeated friction. Over time, the skin thickens in weight-bearing areas, building up to absorb the pressure. A podiatrist examines the area and pares the callus in controlled layers with a sterile instrument. Callus management also considers the pressure, activity, and footwear factors that may cause the callus to return.
The Foot Practice provides foot callus removal in Singapore at its Orchard Road clinic and will assess whether the callus signals another foot deformity.
When to See a Podiatrist for Foot Calluses
Arrange an assessment if a callus:
- is painful, tender, cracked or bleeding
- keeps returning
- affects your walking or activity
- has changed in appearance
- may be a corn, wart or another skin condition
- occurs with diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation in the feet
Seek professional care for painful calluses or for a corn or callus causing significant pain, as a callus should not cause intense discomfort. Importantly, seek prompt medical care if there is an open sore, drainage, spreading redness, warmth, swelling or an increasing pain. These may indicate an infection and should be treated immediately.
What Happens during Callus Removal?
- Assessment. The podiatrist checks whether the area is a corn or callus. The assessment may identify pressure points, altered foot mechanics, or foot deformities. Your medical history, circulation and sensation may also be assessed to determine if this is a recurring issue or the only extent of the problem. This is important if you have diabetes or another condition that affects healing.
- Debridement. The podiatrist uses a sterile scalpel or another suitable instrument to remove thin layers of thickened skin. This process is called debridement. Careful removal reduces thick skin, which is key to effective callus removal. This may also relieve discomfort when hardened skin presses on the underlying tissue, while also protecting healthy skin.
- Skin protection. The treated area may be smoothed and protected with a suitable dressing or non-medicated pad when needed.
- Pressure review. The podiatrist will consider your footwear, activity and foot mechanics that may be contributing to the callus formation. Footwear advice may include avoiding tight shoes and wearing socks that reduce friction. The callus treatment plan may include a footwear assessment or, in selected cases, custom orthoses to redistribute the pressure on your feet.
Plantar callus removal follows the same principles. ‘Plantar’ means that the callus is on the sole of the foot, commonly near a pressure-bearing area such as the heel or ball of the foot. They are not physiologically different, but they can be more painful because these areas often bear weight consistently, making discomfort more likely. Plantar calluses may develop in weight-bearing areas exposed to repeated pressure or an uneven pressure.
Does Callus Removal Hurt?
Debridement works on layers of thickened outer skin and is usually well tolerated. The podiatrist removes the skin gradually and will stop if the area becomes uncomfortable. It is important that you let your podiatrist know if you are experiencing serious pain during debridement, as this is not normal. Debridement may immediately relieve any discomfort. Tell your podiatrist about any localised pain, significant discomfort, or altered sensation during the procedure.
How Many Appointments Are Needed?
A trained podiatrist can often reduce thickened skin from a callus in one appointment. A large, cracked or recurrent callus may need further care. The callus can return if repeated pressure or repeated friction continues. Persistent pressure can cause further discomfort and new callus formation. That is why it is not simply about callus removal, especially if you regularly get calluses in the same area. It may take several appointments to ascertain the precise cause of your calluses.
After Callus Removal
Follow your podiatrist’s advice for your skin and health needs. This may include:
- applying a recommended moisturiser to keep your skin soft and reduce hard skin build-up
- wearing shoes that fit well to reduce the rubbing or concentrated pressure
- using a suitable non-medicated cushioning pad to reduce pressure on weight-bearing areas, if advised
- checking the area for broken skin, particularly if you have diabetes or any reduced sensation in your feet
If advised by a medical professional, soak the foot in warm water to soften the thickened skin. Use warm water, not hot water, as hot water may be too extreme for the skin to tolerate. A pumice stone or foot file can gently remove dead skin from hardened skin. Stop if a pumice stone or foot file makes the skin sore. Be careful during this process and do not overdo it, or you could create a new issue for your feet.
Do not cut or use a blade on a corn or callus at home. Medicated corn plasters and over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid can damage surrounding healthy skin and cause inflamed skin. Ask a healthcare professional before using them. Do not self-treat a corn or callus with these products or tools if you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation.
For foot callus causes, home care and proper foot care, read the guide to foot calluses.
Arrange an Appointment with The Foot Practice
The Foot Practice provides podiatric callus removal in Singapore. Contact us today to arrange a podiatry appointment if your callus is painful, recurrent, or hard to manage, or if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation.
FAQs about Callus Removal
Can Calluses Return?
Callus removal reduces thickened, hard skin, but can’t address the root cause of your callus. Well-fitting footwear and changes that reduce repeated pressure or friction may lower the risk of recurrence. Footwear changes may also reduce pressure at pressure points, reduce friction and support foot health. Orthoses may help redistribute pressure when an assessment identifies a suitable reason.
Callus Removal and Diabetes
Those with diabetes should not cut, file or use medicated plasters on a callus without professional medical advice. Reduced sensation or circulation can make an injury harder to notice and slower to heal. Persons with diabetes must be very careful about their foot health, as missing a small cut or a crack in a callus can lead to a dangerous infection. Arrange a professional assessment and follow an individual diabetic foot care plan. The safest thing to do for anyone with diabetes and calluses is to have regular podiatric appointments so that any issue that arises is addressed quickly.
Is it a Callus or a Corn?
A callus is usually broader and flatter and covers a larger surface area of skin than a corn. A corn is often smaller, more localised and may have a firm central core. Location and appearance do not always confirm whether a lesion is a corn or callus. Pain symptoms can help determine whether it is a corn or callus. Read the guide to corns and calluses or arrange an assessment if you are unsure.
Can a Foot Doctor Remove Calluses?
Yes. A foot doctor or a podiatrist can assess the thickened skin, remove the appropriate layers through debridement, and advise on pressure or friction that may contribute to any recurrence. Callus treatment depends on the diagnosis and the health of the skin, circulation and nerves.
