Problem with Calloused Feet?

Question

I was raised on a farm, and when I wasn't out in the pastures, I was barefoot. So I have extremely calloused feet. In fact, everything but the inside arch is calloused.

For the past few months, I have been noticing that everytime I take a shower or bath, I can't just wash my feet with soap and water. I actually have to take one of those scrubbing pads for your back or something, and scrub the dead skin cells off. And if I don't do this, once a week, my feet will get so bad that the skin literally peels right off the calloused parts. It looks and acts (in the way it peels) like a sunburn.

What is this, and is it treatable? It really grosses me out, and I always hide my feet because people ask me what happened to them...(they're just calloused, people!)

I don't really want to get rid of my callouses, because I need them when I walk around at primitive sites and in pastures. I can't imagine not having them. I just want to have them managable.

Answer 1

You're going to get callouses if you're walking barefoot even around the house. First, get some good walking shoes. Then also invest in a good course pumice stone and foot brush. Soak your feet for about 5 min. in soapy warm water, and then start using the stone to work off the dead skin. You can finish with the brush. You won't get it all off one one try; you might have to do this each night with your bath for a week or so. Immediately afterward, apply a good heavy body cream (like shea butter) to your feet and put on a pair of socks (you can also use Vaseline). This will lock in the moisture in your dry skin. You might want to invest in a good professional pedicure for one or two times, or go to a podiatrist who can remove the callouses. To keep them smoother, you will have to keep them buffed with the pumice stone a couple of times a week and do the moisturizing every night. Don't be ashamed of your feet, honey. Just think of all of the beautiful sandals you can wear when you get them presentable! Good Luck!