Calluses on the pinky toes of my feet have practically become a part of my inheritance. Many of my father’s relatives complained about the same issue. Sometimes, all it takes is wearing a new pair of shoes once for a fresh callus to form.
During the winter months, I can somewhat tolerate the discomfort, but in summer, it becomes unbearable. I remove the calluses, and yet they return, again and again. Because of this, I’ve even stopped buying open-toed shoes altogether—I can’t stand the embarrassment or the pain.
One day, I was at the pharmacy and happened to mention my problem to a pharmacist friend. Nearby, an elderly woman overheard our conversation. As I left the store, she approached me.
“I used to be an old-school cosmetologist,” she said. “Back in the day, removing calluses was half of what I did. No one needs my remedies anymore, but if you’re interested, I can teach you a few methods that really work.” Naturally, I agreed.
Here’s what she taught me:
1. The Onion and Vinegar Compress
Take a medium-sized onion, peel it, and cut it in half. Then soak it in vinegar and leave it in a warm place for 24 hours. The next day, remove one layer of the onion and apply it directly to the callus. This onion layer should be changed twice a day. It may smell strong, but the acidity of the vinegar combined with the properties of the onion softens the skin and gradually dissolves the callus.
2. Garlic Paste for Stubborn Calluses
If you prefer something more potent, try a garlic-based remedy. Roast 5-6 cloves of garlic until soft, then let them cool. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and mix thoroughly until it becomes a thick paste. Before applying, soak your feet in warm water with a bit of baking soda to soften the skin. Then, apply the garlic paste to the affected area, cover with gauze or a clean cloth, and leave it overnight if possible. This method works especially well for tougher, thicker calluses.
3. Lemon Wraps
Lemons aren’t just for tea—they can help with calluses too. Before bed, soak your feet in warm water for about 15–20 minutes. Cut a lemon into quarters, and place one quarter (with the pulp side against the skin) directly on the hardened area. Wrap your foot to keep it in place and leave it overnight. After three nights of this treatment, soak your feet again in warm water. The softened callus should come off easily with a pumice stone or gentle rubbing.
4. The Vinegar and Egg Remedy from the Ancestors
Our ancestors had their own ways of dealing with calluses, particularly on their hands. One of the more surprising remedies involves just two ingredients: vinegar and a raw egg. Place a whole raw egg into a glass of vinegar and let it sit undisturbed for 8 days. Over time, the egg will dissolve and turn into a salve-like substance.
Once ready, apply a small amount of this mixture to the callus and wrap it. After a few applications, the callus becomes so soft that it might fall off on its own. If not, a gentle push is all it takes to remove it. This ancient remedy is not only effective but also fascinating in its simplicity and natural chemistry.
These remedies may not come in fancy packaging, and they certainly don’t cost as much as medical treatments or salon procedures, but they’ve been passed down through generations for a reason—they work. If you’re struggling with recurring calluses like I am, give one of these traditional methods a try. You might be surprised by the results.
