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Dead skin and calluses on the feet tend to form as a result of repeated friction, pressure, and rubbing. "The thickened skin is a physiological response to protecting deeper structures underneath the skin’s surface, such as bones, says Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego.
Some of the most common places we see calluses appear are on our feet, the palms of our hands, and our fingertips, but dead skin on the feet can be particularly bothersome. So to learn the best methods for removing stubborn calluses and dead skin, we reached out to some leading dermatologists. Here's what they had to say.
Meet the Expert
- Melanie Palm, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego.
- Debra Jaliman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Assistant Professor of Dermatology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
- Geeta Yadav, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET dermatology.
What Causes Dead Skin Build-Up on the Feet?
Consistent pounding and friction create both dead skin and calluses on the feet, and dryness exacerbates the issues. Over-cleansing and harsh soaps can strip the skin of important protective oils. Once those are gone, it is difficult for the feet to stay hydrated.
To treat excessive build-up, exfoliation is key. Fun fact: Your skin is always naturally exfoliating. Excess skin on or around the feet comes from this exfoliation process. Sometimes, skin does not renew as quickly as we would like it to which is why we speed up the process with scrubs and at-home remedies.
