Callus (Hard Skin)

A callus can form on the hands and feet and while they are usually harmless, they can be irritating and may be a source of discomfort. Discover what a callus is, why they appear, and what you can do to prevent them in our guide.

What is a Callus?

A callus is an area of thick, hardened skin typically found over the bony part of your foot, on your heel or around the ball of your foot. It is also common to find them on the hands where repeated friction or rubbing occurs over time. Calluses form to protect your skin and underlying tendons, muscles, or joints. They are larger than corns, and can be more irregular in shape.

What Causes a Callus?

Calluses are caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes that are either too tight or types of shoes that cause friction on your skin such as heels, flip-flops, slip ons or wellingtons. In Summer, your feet are more likely to be out with less chance of wearing socks or closed shoes, this can dry out your skin which could lead to a callus.

Treatments for Calluses

To reduce the chance of getting a callus, wear cushioned, shock absorbing shoes and insoles, and try to limit the amount of time you wear high heels. Use a moisturising foot cream or heel balm to avoid dryness.


Take a look at the Simply Feet range of Callus treatments to help care for and improve the condition of your feet.

34 results

Page
per page

From £75.00

From £5.26

From £7.25

From £5.26

From £5.26

From £6.85

£16.96
​
From £40.00

From £7.96

From £8.99

​
From £35.00
​
From £33.00
£35.00

From £66.00

From £62.00

£6.50
£4.75
£15.95
£12.50

From £7.49

£5.50

From £6.95

From £13.96

From £24.50

From £11.50

From £26.50

From £14.50

£5.95

From £9.25

34 results

Page
per page

Michelle Gibson
MSc, BSc, PGCE, MRCoP, Podiatrist
Michelle has over 30 years of experience in the NHS, private practice, and the commercial sector and is driven by her profound passion for podiatry and the wellbeing of our customers.


Frequently Asked Questions

Should you remove your calluses?

To remove a callus, use a pumice stone, foot file or rasp. Never try to remove one by cutting the skin with scissors or a razor blade. This could damage your tissue and cause an infection. For this reason, cutting calluses is particularly dangerous for patients with diabetes. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or are classed as immunocompromised, seek advice from your local podiatrist on further treatment.

Do calluses stay forever?

No, a callus can start to heal as long as you stop doing whatever is causing the repeated friction and pressure on the skin. By using gentle exfoliation and specialist dry skin cream, the callus will eventually soften and the skin will begin to heal.

Do calluses have roots?

Calluses do not have roots. Calluses and corns are simply areas of hardened, thickened skin caused by prolonged friction or rubbing. They can be treated over time by reducing the cause of the callus and treating the skin with a dry skin cream and exfoliating scrub.