Podiatry in plain words: what it is and how keratolytics help with hard skin on the feet

In short: podiatry is a field of foot care that draws on dermatology and cosmetology. It focuses on assessing foot problems, caring for the feet and preventing problems with the feet and nails. For hard skin, calluses and corns, salons use keratolytics, and some of them work well at home too. The conditions: wear gloves, use them no more than once a week and always finish with a moisturising cream.

What podiatry is about

Podiatry (also called podology) combines knowledge from dermatology and cosmetology. Its aim is to assess foot problems, provide the right care and prevent problems with the feet and nails. Such problems are very common. The topics a podiatrist deals with most often:

• hard skin — calluses and corns;
• skin changes on the feet;
• ingrown nails.

Some professional products used in the salon can also be used for home care. Foot keratolytics are a good example.

Keratolytics: whole-foot or topical gel

A keratolytic is a product that softens hard, keratinised skin so that it can then be gently smoothed away with a foot file. Keratolytics can be alkaline or acidic. The Soft Blade line includes two gels with different uses.

• Soft Blade callus and corn softening gel (200 ml) — for the whole foot, for salon or home use. Urea quickly softens hard skin. The gel helps remove dead skin, soften calluses and hard skin, prevent over-drying and leave feet smooth.
• Soft Blade topical callus softening gel (100 ml) — alkaline, for areas with heavy keratinisation. Apply it only to the callus or corn. It works well as preparation for a pedicure, and the skin surface is smoother after 1–2 treatments.

Both gels are gentle on the skin, remove keratinised particles effectively, are economical in use and help prevent micro-cracks and roughness.

How to use a keratolytic step by step

1. Put on rubber gloves.
2. Apply the gel. Spread the whole-foot gel over the feet and place them in a warm bath for 5–10 minutes. Put the topical gel on a lint-free wipe and apply it only to the callus or corn for 5–10 minutes.
3. Dry the skin. Before you remove the softened skin, pat the area dry with a wipe.
4. Smooth with a foot file. Remove the softened, keratinised skin.
5. Neutralise. The Shelly Universal Neutralizer restores a neutral pH after alkaline and acidic keratolytics and stops their action.
6. Moisturise. After the pedicure, restore moisture with a cream, such as the softening foot cream with 5% urea for dry, rough skin. It is also suitable for foot massage.
7. Wash your hands with soap once the pedicure is finished.

Rules to remember

• No more than once a week.
• Avoid contact with broken skin and mucous membranes. If it happens, rinse the area with plenty of warm water.
• Be patient with long-standing hard skin. Skin that has been neglected for a long time needs more than one session. Often, after the first use, the skin already feels more elastic and lighter, with no tight feeling.

Quick softening before a pedicure

When you need to soften the skin quickly before a pedicure, try the Soft Blade foam express softener with urea, tea tree extract and panthenol. It quickly softens dry calluses, corns, periungual folds and rough skin, making the pedicure more comfortable. Healthy skin stays moisturised.

When to see a podiatrist or a doctor

Home care has its limits. Skip home treatments and see a podiatrist or a doctor if:

• you have an ingrown nail;
• you notice worrying skin changes on your feet;
• there are open wounds or bleeding cracks on the foot;
• you suspect a fungal infection.

If you have a chronic condition or very sensitive skin and are unsure, ask a doctor first.

For professionals: nail technicians, podiatrists, salons and schools can join the Pro Zone programme — −10% on every order (except sets) from the first one, rising to −15% and −20% as your total purchases grow. No codes, no contract and no monthly minimum. Buying more? The bigger the volume, the better the terms — we set them individually: hello@shellycare.pl.

FAQ

How often can I use a foot keratolytic?

No more than once a week. Long-standing hard skin needs several sessions, so repeat them regularly at weekly intervals.

Which Soft Blade gel should I choose?

For the whole foot, choose the 200 ml keratolytic gel, applied before a warm foot bath. For single areas of heavy hard skin, choose the 100 ml topical gel on a lint-free wipe, applied only to the callus or corn.

Why use a neutralizer after a keratolytic?

The Universal Neutralizer restores a neutral pH after alkaline and acidic keratolytics and stops their action. Then simply apply a moisturising cream.