The images of flawless, well-groomed skin that we see all around us in movies, TV shows, and magazines are simply unreal. The majority of people really do use their bodies—walking, gardening, and other activities—and over time, these daily activities begin to wear down our skin. A callus, also called a corn if it has a particular shape or behavior, is a hardened patch of skin that develops from repeated friction over time. Although it's usually not a big deal, if for some reason you want to get rid of this stubborn skin patch, try these easy techniques rather than buying store-bought creams.
Bread & Vinegar “Bandage”
This “bandage” (or paste, if that’s how you decide to make it) sounds strange and off-putting, but works well!
Why bread: The bread is mostly a means of application, and has become the preferred method thanks to it being embedded in natural remedy lore. Using bread also means you have the option to make a paste as well, and you don’t have to waste a sponge!
Why vinegar: Vinegar is anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, and the liquid with its high acidity level helps to soften the callused skin.
You will need…
- -A piece of bread
- -1 cup Apple cider vinegar or white distilled vinegar (roughly)
- -gauze or thin fabric
- -adhesive tape
- -pumice stone (optional)
Directions
If you have one, file the callus slightly with a pumice stone. Pour 1/2
cup of apple cider vinegar (or white distilled vinegar) into a bowl.
Drop in a half slice of bread and let it soak.
When it is thoroughly soaked through, rest directly on your callus and wrap in gauze, before securing the gauze with adhesive or medical tape. You can also mash up the bread and form a paste to smear on and then wrap gauze over that. The size of bread and the amount of vinegar can be varied depending on the size of the area you want to cover.
Lemon Paste
Rub this simple paste on a callus or corn to soften it as often as needed.
Why lemon juice: The high acidity of the lemon juice works to soften the hardened skin that makes up your callus/corn. It’s a way to soften it other than simply soaking it.
Why olive oil: The olive oil will moisten your skin and counteract the astringent properties of the lemon juice to ensure your skin does not dry out.
Why baking soda: The crystals in sodium bicarbonate will exfoliate your skin, scrubbing away dead cells, while it also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It also helps the paste retain consistency and stay moist.
You will need…
- -several tablespoons of lemon juice
- -2 teaspoons of olive oil
- -Baking soda
Directions
Mix together 2 or 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Add baking soda until a paste thick enough to stay in place forms.
Store in a container with a tightly fitting lid away from direct sunlight, and apply as often as needed. Cover with gauze or another thin fabric if you don’t want to get the paste on anything.
Sometimes a callus is a useful thing, and sometimes we want to get rid of it. If you decide you don’t want that little tough patch of skin any longer, these remedies are a simple and easy way to get it to go away. Not only are these methods simple and effective, but they cost much less than store-bought stuff as well.
