Electric callus removers are those battery and USB powered tools you see advertised on Amazon.com and other places to use to help get rid of callus on the foot.
They are simply an electric powered file to grind down that build up of skin. I don’t necessarily see any problems with using them as long as those that use them are aware of these issues:
- You can burn the foot if you remove too much or use the tool for too long as it can heat up.
- They will not remove the cause for that callus. Calluses are caused for a reason and that reason has to be removed if you want to stop the callus from coming back.
- If you have diabetes, treating a callus yourself may not be the best option. This is because the lack of or reduced sensation may make it easy to remove too much and damage the skin.
- If you remove too much, you will leave a wound that is going to be painful, take time to heal and be prone to an infection (so if that does happen, please look after it).
- Do not share these devices with others. It is so easy to transmit an infection of the skin (especially fungal) from one person to another if you share these devices.
- They are probably not going to be as effective on callus under the ball of the foot. They are probably going to be more effective at that thick and cracked skin around the heels.
- Use a good cream after removing the callus to moisturise and soften the skin.
By all means, if you have an issue, give the electric callus remover a go, but just be aware of the issues above and use it with caution.
