How to Get Rid of Calluses on Your Knees

Working on your knees contributes toward friction that causes calluses.

Calluses are your skin's way of protecting itself. Friction and repeated rubbing against the skin causes the skin to thicken to avoid injury. People often develop calluses while breaking in a new pair of shoes. If your work or hobby has you spending time moving about on your knees, calluses can develop there as well. Although they're the skin's protective mechanism, calluses are unsightly and can be painful. Thickened, discolored skin on your knees is embarrassing, but you can get rid of the calluses with a persistent skincare regimen.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Liquid soap
• Washcloths
• Towel
• Pumice stone
• Petroleum jelly
• Salicylic acid patches

Instructions

1. 

   Liquid soap and water help soften calluses.

   Fill a bucket with 1 qt. of warm water. Add one to two squirts of liquid soap and stir to make a soapy solution.

2. Soak two clean washcloths in the soap solution. Wring out the washcloths so they're not dripping. Lay the soapy cloths over your knees and leave them there for 10 minutes to soften the skin.

3. Remove the washcloths and rinse your knees. Pat the skin dry. Gently rub the calluses on your knees with a moistened pumice stone. Rub in circular motions for one to two minutes for each knee to remove some of the callus and dead skin cells.

4. Rinse the skin again and towel dry. Apply petroleum jelly to moisturize your skin.

5. Place a salicylic acid patch on each knee during the day or at night to help get rid of the calluses, following the package directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect your knees from friction while working by using a knee pad.

• Exfoliate your skin once or twice per week to prevent dead skin and callus buildup. Moisturize daily.

• Never attempt to cut off calluses yourself. If calluses on the knees are particularly painful, see a dermatologist for help.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Corns and Calluses; April 2011
• Cooper University Hospital: Calluses and Corns
• Become Gorgeous: How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows and Knees

Resources

• Rush University Medical Center: Calluses and Corns