socks and calloused heels.

[kariann330]

So i was talkin to my sister today and she suggested something that makes no sense to me to help with foot calluses. I normally just soak my feet in hot water and then attack them with a remover like the ped egg, but today she suggested that i lotion my feet before bed and then pull on a pair of socks and sleep with them on. When i wake up, do the same, lotion and socks again instead of going barefoot.

She says this works wonders for her but don't know why. Do any of yall follow the same routine and does it really help? Shealso added that tights and pantyhose would work too if i was wearing a skirt that day (yes we equally hate the bare leg look lol) cuz if it does i might finally be able to soften my heels enough to wear flip flops this summer.

[Katie]

I have callouses all over my feet from roller-skating. As a matter of fact when I and my teammates get a pedi we freek out when the lady tried to get rid of the callouses.

Just one of those things you have when your a skater.

[Nicolette]

When I go without stockings or socks on my feet for a long time, I find I get very rough and hardened heels. I've even had cracks forming! The solution I use is to use a foot scraper and then apply moisturiser daily. Then the point of the socks is that they prevent the moisturiser from rubbing off too quickly and help retain moisture. What your sister is suggesting sounds right.

[Northern Jane]

I have callouses all over my feet from roller-skating..... Just one of those things you have when your a skater.

I never thought of that! I am a figure skater and have huge problems with heel callouses! I thought it was just me.

[KabitTarah]

I use the foot bath the same way, but I add baking soda (about a quarter to half cup per tub of water... exact science there ). The basic solution helps soften the dead skin for removal. Add 5-10 drops of lavendar oil and you'll sleep like a baby (maybe)!

In fact... I'm WAY overdue for this treatment to myself. It's tougher to do now that I live in a freezing cold basement with only space heaters for warmth (above 50-60 degrees, that is). I'm going to have to set up a pedi station in my bedroom or bathroom (where the space heaters are).

[musicofthenight]

Calluses are a protective response to irritation, so soak-and-scrub with something aggressive like a foot grater may be counter-productive.  Much like how washing one's scalp actually causes oily hair.


Roughly speaking, there's a water-to-oil gradient in the epidermis, which controls water loss and seals foreign matter out.  It probably also plays a role in causing corneocytes (scale-like surface cells) to flake off, though that's just a hypothesis of mine.  Poking around Wikipedia suggests that a particular family of lipid compounds (alpha-hydroxy acids) is involved in this signaling.

Take the oil out and skin doesn't shed properly: it thickens, cracks, peels instead. (This, I do have experience with.  It's called a "defatting injury," a kind of chemical burn caused by solvents.)

It's a shame that no one can actually market a "greasy" skin cream, because that would be ideal.  I think the euphemism is "intensive;" look for lanolin as a major ingredient (it includes ALAs, but not enough to cause peeling).

I feel the egg is downright barbaric.  Have you tried a salt-oil scrub?  Can be murderously expensive, but all the more reason to make your own - I wouldn't use table salt with iodide in it; it's an irritant and pro-oxidant - just coarse salt plus enough light vegetable oil to make a paste.

[summer710]

I've been doing the socks-at-night thing for years - I use vaseline, though, instead of lotion.  It's a super cheap way to moisturize the feet - overall, it really makes the callous regions less noticeable, since they won't be as dry and crackly, but you will still develop them (if they are necessary).   The socks help keep the moisturizer on the skin, instead of smearing all over your bedsheets; plus, the socks keep the feet alittle warm, which helps with the absorption.

I'm a competitive road cyclist, so I have callouses all over my feet (biggest mistake ever was to get a pedicure and have them buffed down...literally ruined the first part of the season, since my feet were constantly burning until the callous protection grew back).  Since I like to wear sandals and flip-flops, I've learned that even calloused but really well moisturized feet don't look so bad.  I think the issue is some people have dry, crackly, calloused feet (esp. the heel) which is really noticeable.

Expensive greasy skin creams aren't necessary - cheap ol' slathered on drug store Vaseline will do the trick; feed store udder creams (for milking cows) also work well and are super cheap.

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

My ex had horrible calluses on her heels, with deep cracks.  She was a big believe in Vaseline and socks.  She also use Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Foot Cream and socks.

The socks are the key.  Like Summer said.  Keeps the sheets clean and the heat helps to soften.

[aprilia]

A tip sister gave me is to use a palm-full of body moisturiser for each heel, and then wrap in glad wrap for 20min or so. Yes, you look like a complete noob for a while, but the result is a few weeks of perfect feet !!

[TerriT]

I don't know if I could sleep in squishy lotion filled socks:/

Me and my SO do a routine of feet care and nail painting every other week or so. It's quite, therapeutic.

[Jamie D]

There is a product that you can find at most any well-supplied pharmacy, called "crack cream."  One brand is Zim's.  It help with calloused and cracked skin on the feet.