The callus is not a medical emergency. Some essential oils for calluses may help you treat this condition naturally at home.
Calluses or corns are the thick and hard outer layer of your skin. These are painless in most cases.
A callus or corn can occur on your hands, feet, toes, or any other place. [1] It happens due to repeated friction on a particular skin area.
This condition has many variations. They vary in size and shape. A plantar callus is hard thick skin that occurs on the bottom of the foot.
Read on to learn more about calluses symptoms, causes, and some essential oils for calluses treatment.
Potential Essential Oils for Calluses and Corns
Essential oils have bioactive therapeutic properties. Some of these oils may help you treat callus at home. [3]
1. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Pure tea tree oil consists of antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The potent compounds in tea tree oil assists in removing the callus by flaking it off. [4]
How to use tea tree oil for calluses:
- Take 4-5 drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball.
- Rub it on the callus and attach the cotton ball over it with medicated tape.
- Keep it for a few hours.
- Rinse off with mild soap and dry it.
- Repeat the treatment once daily for 1-2 weeks.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil originates from the leaves of the peppermint plant.
It is a well-known oil for its therapeutic and medicinal qualities.
Peppermint oil has an active component called menthol.
The menthol has sedative and calming abilities. These properties may ease muscle aches, and joint pain and diminish dead skin cells. [4]
Peppermint oil may be an effective solution to skin inflammation, bruise, and calluses.
ALSO READ: 12 Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil + (How to Use It)
3. Garlic Oil
It is one of the common remedies which is well known for its healing abilities.
It is a potential remedy for numerous diseases and disorders.
People use garlic in oriental medicines and drugs because of its medical value.
Raw garlic and its essential oil have many nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins. These are helpful to treat various skin problems.
The topical application of garlic extracts seems to be effective for curing psoriasis, keloid scars, cutaneous corn, etc. [6]
Antioxidants in garlic may fight against fungal and bacterial infections.
The components in garlic may remove calluses from the root.
How to use: you mix it with other essential oils or apply just plain garlic oil on the areas of calluses.
4. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile is one of the best herbs that you can use for curing your callus.
It is added to many kinds of tea and dishes to enhance the flavors. Chamomile oil has immense benefits for treating skin problems.
Chamomile essential oil is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. It assists in soothing and softening your skin areas where you have a callus. [7]
Eventually, the oil may help to peel off the layers of your dead skin.
5. Turpentine Essential Oil
Turpentine oil contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Hence it’s beneficial for removing calluses.
This essential oil helps to heal the thickened skin between your toes and fingers and under the feet. [9]
Turpentine oil gets absorbed into your skin quickly. It can eliminate pain and keep skin infections at bay.
Other Home Remedies for Calluses and Corns
There’s no research to confirm the efficacy of the following home remedies.
Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil comes from the peels of lemon. The citrus oil has skin rejuvenating effects. Lemon oil is a natural antiseptic and antioxidant. Hence lemon oil for callus and corns may be a potential home remedy.
Castor Oil: it is vegetable oil. Castor oil is a good source of nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial for skin problems. Castor oil has moisturizing effects on the skin. There is no scientific evidence that castor oil can treat callus or corn. But you may use castor oil for calluses and corns. It has no side effects on your skin.
Coconut Oil: Essential medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil may treat callus. Coconut oil is known for its skin and hair moisturizing benefits. You may topically apply coconut oil for callus and corns remedy.
Olive Oil: Apply a teaspoon of olive oil to the callus. Keep it overnight. You should continue it for a week to witness the changes in your skin with this natural solution.
Symptoms of Callus
- A thick, tough area of skin on your feet.
- A thickened, raised bump usually under your feet or hands
- Slight tenderness or pain on your skin
- Bumpy and dry skin
Causes of Callus
- Ill-fitted shoes: Wearing tight shoes and even high heels can suppress the skin of your feet. On the other hand, if you wear loose shoes, your feet may continuously slide and rub against your shoe.
- Not wearing socks: If you wear shoes or sandals without any socks on then, it can also lead to friction on your feet. Even socks that are ill-fitted can cause the problem.
- Pressure on your hands: by using hand tools or even writing for a long time. [2]
When to See a Doctor
A callus or corn gradually goes away on its own. You need to stop the pressure or friction on the particular skin area. You may consult a doctor to learn about the nature of the skin condition. The doctor can diagnose whether it’s a wart or a callus. [10]
Most doctors shave off the thickened skin. Salicylic acid is an over-the-counter remedy for corns and calluses. However such chemicals may affect the healthy skin around the calluses. If your corns are infected, the doctor may suggest oral medications.
There are many moisturizing creams available to treat calluses and corns. You may even think of going through surgery to remove the plantar calluses. An orthopedist can advise you the best about the exact cause of calluses or corns.
Precautions
The essential oils listed above contain potent components.
- It is recommended that you dilute essential oils with any of the carrier oils.
- Don’t use essential oils during pregnancy or if you are a breastfeeding mother.
- Do a patch test to learn whether you are allergic to any essential oils.
- Consult a doctor before you use any of the essential oils.
Bottom Line
The callus is just a nuisance that occurs in your skin and causes awkward discomfort.
For many people, merely avoiding friction or pressure can relieve calluses over time.
You can visit a doctor only if the calluses are causing severe discomfort or pain.
People who have diabetes or other health conditions are at higher risk to face complications from calluses.
Diabetes causes poor blood flow to your feet. The condition may worsen the severity of calluses.
You can use the essentials oils mentioned above to reduce the symptoms of calluses.
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