Because you don’t necessarily need aggressive intervention (yet) to relieve discomfort. Home-care focused on softening + exfoliating + moisturizing + off-loading pressure can make a meaningful difference.
Many professional sources (including the Mayo Clinic) suggest that for calluses/corns: soaking the feet, gently reducing thickened skin (using safe tools), protecting the area, and moisturising are key “first line” responses.
That means while you wait for your podiatrist, you have time and opportunity to get the skin more comfortable, reduce pain, avoid worsening, and improve the situation.
Home-care “recipe” for rough, thickened skin on feet
Here’s a step-by-step routine — you can follow this over days/weeks. Regularity matters.
Tools & supplies you’ll need
A basin or tub large enough for your feet
Warm water (not scalding)
Optional: Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) or gentle vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white) for soaking
A pumice stone, foot file, or soft foot rasp (make sure it’s smooth, safe)
A thick moisturising foot cream or heel balm (look for ingredients like urea, lactic acid, shea butter, glycerin)
Cotton socks
Comfortable shoes with good cushioning and fit
Optional: protective pads/insoles (to reduce pressure), and shoe-fit adjustments
Optional: gloves/towels to protect surfaces (since foot scrubs can make mess)
Step 1: Soak & soften the skin
