Calluses on one’s feet can be rather easy to get and can cause quite some discomfort. One has to examine foot care, lifestyle choices and other factors which could cause calluses. The more one knows about factors behind calluses, the easier it becomes to prevent this foot problem and to treat calluses. Now a callus is nothing but a patch of your own skin although it is made up of dead skin. You have probably developed one on your foot due to the usual reasons of excess friction or an increased amount of pressure which continues for some time. For instance, a person whose job requires him or her to remain standing or walk about a lot each day is more likely to suffer from foot calluses. Another problem would be the kind of footwear choices that people tend to make. For instance, footwear which is open-backed can mean that calluses are most likely to appear near one’s heel.
While some people do believe in the benefits of papain, an enzyme which may be found in the fruit papaya. However, the effectiveness of papaya when it comes to treating calluses is yet to be established medically. On the other hand this enzyme is known for its exfoliating properties. It helps rid the skin of the older cells which are dead, leaving your skin ready for renewed growth. The green variety of this fruit would have a greater proportion of papain so be sure to pick up the unripe variety of papaya. What could do your feet, and your calluses, some good would be a comforting warm soak. An easy, relaxing soak helps take care of other foot problems as well. One should then gently scrub the area around that callus and try to loosen up the affected skin as gently as possible. Once you are done with this wondrous soak, do apply a generous dose of moisturizer and softening cream. Moisturizer is an absolute must if you want to keep your feet looking young and feeling supple. Do attend to the underlying problem which has led to the callus such as too much pressure. It would help not to stand or walk about excessively and to check that footwear is comfortable. See to it that the shoes you chose to wear do not happen to pinch your feet or cause any kind of discomfort. If the callus causes a lot of pain, check with the doctor to rule out other possibilities like bone problems.