Calluses are thickened areas of skin that often develop on the soles of the feet, under the toes, or over toe joints. They form as a natural response to repeated pressure or friction, usually from tight shoes, high heels, or abnormal walking patterns.
While they may not always hurt, calluses can become painful or uncomfortable, especially if left untreated or if you have an underlying foot condition.
Why Calluses Happen
Calluses are caused by a process called hyperkeratosis. This is when your skin builds extra layers to protect itself from pressure. Common triggers include:
- Ill-fitting footwear
- High-impact activities
- Deformities like hammer toes or bunions
- Uneven weight distribution while walking
Safe Treatment for Calluses
If your calluses are painful, thick or recurring, it is best to consult a Foot specialist.
Treatment options include:
- Debridement – safe removal of thickened skin using a sterile blade
- Footwear advice – choosing supportive, pressure-free shoes
- Moisturizing – daily hydration to keep skin soft.
- Custom orthotics – insoles designed to offload pressure areas and prevent recurrence
Avoid cutting calluses yourself as it may lead to infections or open wounds.
Long-Term Relief & Prevention
At Flawless Esthetics Clinic, we may recommend a biomechanical assessment to identify how your foot structure or gait contributes to callus formation. This helps us create personalized solutions, like orthotics, to correct pressure points.
In rare cases where a foot deformity (e.g. hammer toe) is the root cause, surgical correction may be considered.
We also offer callus debridement to shave off the excess skin buildup
