28/01/2026
One of today’s clients has a large build up of callus on their heels, as seen below:
Some feet are just more prone to forming callus because of:
1. Foot shape & gait (how they walk)
If someone rolls their foot outwards or inwards, more weight goes through the heel edge. That constant pressure tells the skin:
“Protect this area” → so it thickens.
2. Shoes
• hard soles
• open-backed shoes
• loose shoes that rub
• thin soles with no cushioning
All increase friction and pressure on the heel rim.
3. Dry skin
Dry skin can’t stretch properly, so instead of flexing, it thickens and then splits.
4. Standing or walking a lot
Nurses, carers, shop workers, dog walkers builders etc — the skin is under stress all day.
5. Age
As we age, we lose natural oils and padding in the feet, so pressure goes straight onto the skin.
6. Medical factors
Poor circulation, diabetes, or thyroid issues can all affect skin turnover and healing.
How it builds up (step by step)
1. Repeated pressure or rubbing
2. Skin cells multiply faster than normal
3. Old cells don’t shed
4. Layers compact into hard skin
5. A rim forms where the heel strikes the ground
6. Eventually it becomes:
• thick
• yellow/white
• cracked
• sometimes painful
It’s like the skin putting on armour.
Why it cracks (fissures)
When callus gets too thick:
• it loses flexibility
• the heel spreads when you walk
• the hard skin can’t stretch
• so it splits — usually vertically
That’s why people get those deep heel cracks
How to prevent it
Footwear
• cushioned sole
• enclosed heel
• good fit (not slipping)
• avoid hard flip-flops and backless shoes
Skin care
• daily moisturising (urea-based cream is best)
• after bathing, when skin is warm
• don’t let it dry out completely
Reduce pressure
• heel cups
• insoles
• gel socks
• cushioning pads
Regular maintenance
• light filing (not aggressive)
• routine foot care appointment
How to treat it safely
What’s safe:
✔️ Professional reduction
✔️ Regular moisturising
✔️ Gentle pumice or foot file
✔️ Urea-based creams (10–25% daily, higher if advised)
What’s not safe:
✘ blades or razors
✘ corn plasters on heels
✘ peeling acids
✘ soaking and ripping skin off
Those cause trauma and make the body produce more hard skin.
Today , after I cleaned the area with anti microbial spray, I used a surgical blade no 10 to reduce the callus on the heel area, I then used a cap & mandrill to smooth over the heel area, then applied flexitol heel balm to soften the area.
