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Is it possible to cut the callus off?
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Many people have this question: is it possible to cut off dry calluses? This refers to dry (hard) calluses, which often have a dense keratin core (root) that penetrates deep into the dermis and can therefore cause pain when walking. [ 1 ]
Preparation
If you cannot get rid of a core callus, as well as dry calluses on the feet with or without a core, using conservative methods - keratolytic ointments for calluses or plasters for dry calluses, then specialists can cut it off with a scalpel, remove it with electrocoagulation, burn it with a laser or freeze it with liquid nitrogen.
Preparation for removing calluses with a scalpel involves antiseptic treatment and the administration of a local anesthetic.
Technique of cutting the callus
The technique of removing calluses requires sterile conditions and the use of special surgical instruments. [ 2 ]
How to cut off a dry callus? The thickened dead (keratinized and hardened) skin is first softened with a urea-containing agent, and then it is carefully and methodically removed in thin layers, moving the blade over the callused area - until the surface of the living skin appears.
For calluses on the side of the toe or around the back of the heel, some practitioners use an electric tool (similar to an electric razor) with several thin blades that glide over the skin.
How to cut off the root of a callus? The podiatrist drills it out with a special tool – cutters of various sizes and modifications (hollow with diamond coating or stainless steel with notches), which are used in devices for medical pedicure – milling cutters.
The edges of the wound are treated with antiseptics; a healing ointment is placed in the depression where the core (root) of the callus was; an aseptic bandage is applied to the area of skin where the callus was.
Care after the procedure
After this procedure, you should treat the skin at the site of callus removal with antiseptics, use recommended ointments to speed up healing, and also - until complete healing - wear shoes with orthopedic insoles, reduce physical stress on your feet, do not take baths, do not go to the sauna or pool.