Should diabetics remove calluses?

Calluses, if not trimmed, get very thick, break down, and turn into ulcers (open sores). Never try to cut calluses or corns yourself—this can lead to ulcers and infection. Let a health care professional on your diabetes care team cut your calluses. Also, do not try to remove calluses and corns with chemical agents.

Why can’t diabetics use callus remover?

Even acid-free callus and corn home treatments are not recommended for people who have diabetes. Pumice stones and files are not sterile and can cause breaks in the skin if you rub too vigorously or remove too much skin. And whatever you do, don’t take a sharp blade to your feet.

Why do diabetics get calluses on their feet?

Why Do Diabetic Calluses Form? Diabetics are at particular risk for forming calluses. One reason for this is neuropathy, nerve damage leading to the loss of feeling in the feet. A diabetic who does not check their feet regularly, may not feel a callus forming.

Should you remove calluses on toes?

It’s important to remember never to cut your calluses off or shave them. You may injure the tissue of your feet by cutting too far down into the skin. You can also get an infection from cutting too deeply into your skin.

How do you get rid of diabetic foot calluses?

Use a pumice stone (if you don’t have neuropathy) regularly after showering or bathing. Apply a moisturizer daily (avoid the area in between the toes). For stubborn calluses, especially around the heels, consider a lotion that contains agents which chemically break down the callus (called a kertolytic).

What does a diabetics feet look like?

Although rare, nerve damage from diabetes can lead to changes in the shape of your feet, such as Charcot’s foot. Charcot’s foot may start with redness, warmth, and swelling. Later, bones in your feet and toes can shift or break, which can cause your feet to have an odd shape, such as a “rocker bottom.”

How do diabetics get rid of calluses?

Thin thickened skin. During or after bathing, rub a corn or callus with a pumice stone, nail file, emery board or washcloth to help remove a layer of toughened skin. Don’t use a sharp object to trim the skin. Don’t use a pumice stone if you have diabetes.

Why can’t diabetics put lotion between their toes?

To help manage these symptoms, you can safely use lotion, according to the American Diabetes Association. But it’s important to make sure you don’t put it between your toes because the extra moisture in that tight space may encourage fungus to grow.

How do you remove a callus?

One DIY method of callus removal is to combine 3 teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water (or scale up from there if more is needed). This will form a paste which you can apply to the callus once it is softened. Then, wear a sock and let the solution help exfoliate the callus while you sleep.

Can foot calluses be permanently removed?

Some calluses need permanent removal by a minimally invasive in-office procedure in which the underlying area of bony pressure is reduced. This often requires no stiches and most patients are in regular shoes shortly afterwards.