Treatment of calluses during pregnancy is really only necessary if they cause discomfort. Although it may become more difficult to reach your feet as your pregnancy progresses, there are natural ways you can treat calluses during pregnancy.
Calluses are hard, thick areas of skin that commonly form on the balls or heels of the feet as well as the knuckles and palms of the hands. They are caused by excess pressure or friction as the skin thickens to protect the underlying tissue. This may result from actions, such as walking or running, that put pressure on the feet, or from wearing poorly fitted
shoes. Calluses can also be caused by certain bone deformities, such as hammertoes or bunions. Repetitive actions, such as using a hammer, swinging a racket, or playing the guitar, may also result in calluses on the hands.
How do you treat calluses naturally during pregnancy?
- Soak your feet in warm water to soften the callus.
- Use a pumice stone or nail file to rub the callus and remove thickened layers of skin.
- Regularly apply lotion to your hands and feet to keep them moisturized.
- Make sure to wear shoes that fit well.
- Wear gloves when performing activities that put pressure on the hands.
- Over-the-counter callus cushions may also be used. Ask your podiatrist or doctor which cushions are recommended.
- If you have difficulty reaching your feet, ask a loved one for help, or have a pedicure done at a nail salon.
If you have a condition that causes poor circulation, such as diabetes, you have a greater risk of complications from foot problems. Accordingly, it is important to consult your physician before attempting to treat a callus.
How to Treat Calluses during Pregnancy When Naturally Does Not Work
If your callus persists even after using natural remedies, you may consult your doctor regarding other treatment options.
- Your doctor may trim the skin using a scalpel. Do not try to do this at home! Doing so could lead to infection.
- Your doctor may also recommend a medicated patch to remove the callus or an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Make sure talk with your doctor about which medications are safe to take during pregnancy.
- Orthotics (custom shoe inserts) may also be recommended to prevent persistent calluses if you have a foot deformity.
- In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to reconstruct a bone deformity.
Ultimately, calluses are not harmful during pregnancy, and treatment is only necessary if they cause you discomfort. And regardless of whether you have a callus or not, remember to treat yourself by pampering your feet every now and then!
Want to Know More?
Compiled using information from the following sources:
1. Corns and calluses. (2013). In A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.
2. Harms, R. W. (2014). What causes ankle swelling during pregnancy—and what can I do about it?
3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, April 22). Corns and calluses.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/basics/definition/con-20014462
4. Murkoff, H., Eisenberg, A., & Hathaway, S. (2002). What to expect when you’re expecting. New York, NY: Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
National Health Service. (2014). Corns and calluses.
https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/CornsandCalluses/Pages/whatarecornsandcalluses.aspx
