A callus is a patch of hard, thickened skin that develops to protect the skin underneath from repeated friction or pressure. Calluses commonly affect hands and feet, though they can form elsewhere. Cream can soften a callus, but it cannot negotiate with the shoe that keeps causing it.23

What strength of urea should you use?

Urea draws and holds water in the skin. It also has a keratolytic effect, meaning it softens the outer layer so excess skin can shed more easily. Lower concentrations mainly support hydration; higher concentrations target thickened skin more strongly and can cause more irritation.45

For established calluses, 40% urea is one treatment option for softening and removing thickened skin. Keep strong preparations off unaffected skin; petroleum jelly around the callus can help protect the surrounding area. Ask a pharmacist to help choose a strength if you are unsure, rather than assuming the strongest cream is the best starting point.3

How do you apply urea cream to a callus?

  1. 1Soak the callus in warm water for five to ten minutes, or until the skin softens.
  2. 2If you are gently filing the callus, wet a pumice stone first and use circular or sideways motions. Do not remove enough skin to cause bleeding.
  3. 3Apply a thin film of urea cream to the callus while the skin is still damp. Keep it away from eyes, lips and other sensitive areas.
  4. 4Use a callus moisturizer daily, following your cream's label for the exact frequency. Applying after washing or bathing helps the moisturizing effect.
12

How long does it take?

Expect gradual softening rather than immediate removal. Most calluses gradually go away once the pressure or friction stops. If the callus is not improving, have it checked rather than repeatedly increasing the cream strength or filing more aggressively.12

For foot calluses, choose soft, well fitting shoes with enough toe room to move freely. Cushioning can redistribute pressure and help prevent recurrence. Padding reduces pressure around a callus, giving the cream less repeat business. Repeatedly painful calluses sometimes need regular care from a podiatrist.3

Who should get advice before treating a callus?

If you have diabetes or poor circulation, get professional foot care advice before home treatment. See a dermatologist if the hardened skin is very painful or you do not know what is causing it. Do not apply urea to cracked, bleeding, infected or oozing skin, or areas with severe widespread redness.234

Mild irritation, redness or dryness can occur. Stop using the cream and seek medical advice for burning, crusting, peeling or an allergic rash; report persistent or bothersome irritation too. Discuss use with your care team if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, or treating a child. Check before combining urea with other treatments on the same area, especially prescription creams, because urea can increase their penetration.14

Does urea cream help with itching?

Urea can help soothe itching associated with dry skin as well as improve hydration. For eczema prone skin, choose a fragrance free moisturizer that combines moisture attracting ingredients with ingredients that soften skin and hold moisture in. New itching after applying urea is a possible side effect, not a reason to apply more.467

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Urea Cream: Brands & Usesmy.clevelandclinic.org
  2. 2How to treat corns and callusesaad.org
  3. 3Calluses and Corns - Dermatologymerckmanuals.com
  4. 4Ureadermnetnz.org
  5. 5The Use of Urea Cream for Hand Eczema and Urea Foam for Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasiform Dermatoses of the Scalppmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6Formularybswformulary.nhs.uk
  7. 7Best Creams and Lotions for Eczemahealth.clevelandclinic.org