“My feet hurt!”

Chances are if you say this at the end of a long day as you kick off your shoes to reveal pinched toes and tired soles, you also may have a tendency to develop calluses and corns.

Calluses and corns are areas of thick skin that result from pressure and friction over a bony prominence. On the bottom of the foot these are called calluses and on the top, they are called corns. The most common area for a callus is the ball of the foot, where the pressure on the foot is greatest.

Over the counter callus removers contain acid that burns off the callus but should be used with caution as they can burn healthy skin as well.

If you have a callus, then soak your feet in warm water with bath oil or a moisturizing bubble bath product to soften the area. This will make it easier to file off with a pumice stone. I don’t recommend shaving the callus as this could lead to infection.

There are also creams that “roll” away dead skin to keep calluses from forming, such as “Pretty Feet”. Avon has several creams in their “Foot Works” line that help with dead skin, cracked heels and calluses.

Of course, the best way to deal with corns and calluses is to deal with the root of the problem. Reduce pressure on the foot by wearing low-heeled shoes and avoid pointy-toed shoes that squeeze the toes into an unnatural shape. Use lotion on your feet to keep the skin moisturized and supple. Keep ahead of emerging calluses by using a pumice stone or emery board to file away dead skin.

After a good foot treatment and the application of a good moisturizing lotion, remember to treat the feet with care. Try pampering them with thick padded socks, cushion insoles and low-heeled shoes that are kinder to feet.

If you have a chronic callus problem, you should seek the advice of a medical professional.