Callus Over Scar: Why It Happens & How to Fix It (Safely)
- Lamar| The Foot Aftercare Institute
- Dec 11, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 8
A callus forming directly on top of a surgical scar is a widespread problem after foot surgery — but almost nobody talks about it.
Patients often panic when they see the scar becoming thick, dry, flaky, or painful, especially within the first few weeks or months.
This guide explains why callus-over-scar happens, how to treat it without damaging healing tissue, and when to seek professional advice.
Why Does a Callus Form Over a Scar?
A callus is your body’s natural response to friction, pressure, or irritation. After foot surgery, several factors can trigger this:
1. Surgical Scar Dryness
A healing scar loses moisture quickly and becomes rough, which signals the body to thicken the skin for protection.
2. Pressure from Walking
Even normal walking can cause repeated rubbing on the surgical site, especially if footwear is stiff or narrow.
3. Footwear Irritation
Tight shoes, seams, or rubbing can lead to excess keratin build-up on the scar.
4. Changes in Foot Mechanics (Gait)
After surgery, you naturally adjust the way you walk. These small changes shift pressure onto areas that are not accustomed to it.
5. Healing Tissue is Extra Sensitive
Scar tissue does not behave like normal skin — it’s drier, weaker, and more reactive to friction.
This combination triggers the skin to protect itself, resulting in a callus forming over the scar.
Is a Callus on a Surgical Scar Dangerous?
Usually, no — it’s not dangerous. But it can cause issues if ignored:
Pain when walking
Cracking or splitting
Increased tightness of the scar
Thick, rough skin that catches on socks
Trapped moisture → irritation or secondary infection
Slower scar softening
The goal is to treat it gently and safely without damaging the healing incision.
Safe Ways to Treat Callus Over a Scar
These methods are foot-friendly and safe for healing tissue.
1. Keep the Scar Moisturised (Daily)
Dry skin = more callus.
Use:
25–40% urea cream (start slow)
A simple fragrance-free moisturiser
Petroleum jelly at night is very dry.
Avoid harsh exfoliating acids unless advised by a clinician.
2. Add Silicone Gel Once the Wound Is Closed
Silicone helps:
Soften the scar
reduce friction
reduce thickening
trap moisture
A thin layer daily is enough.
3. Reduce Friction and Pressure
This is the MOST important step.
You can reduce irritation by:
Switching to softer footwear
using gel pads or silicone sleeves
choosing seamless socks
avoiding tight shoes
Reducing friction prevents the callus from returning.
4. Gentle Urea-Based Exfoliation (Not Filing)
Once the incision is healed:
Use 25% urea cream to soften the callus.
Let it dissolve gradually over days.
DO NOT aggressively file or use blades.
DO NOT use pumice stones on a fresh scar.
Slow, chemical exfoliation is safer than physical abrasion.
5. Massage Around (Not Directly On) the Callus
This helps with:
circulation
scar mobility
reducing tightness
Avoid applying deep pressure directly over the callus until it softens.
6. Monitor Your Walking Pattern
A callus on a scar is often a sign of excess pressure. If you notice limping or shifting weight, consider:
Wearing cushioned trainers
increasing rest
short-term orthotic insoles
This is also where a podiatrist can help with gait evaluation.
What NOT to Do (Important)
Avoid:
❌ cutting the callus off
❌ using corn plasters or acids
❌ scraping with razors
❌ constant filing (can irritate the scar more)
❌ ignoring severe pain
These can all harm the underlying healing tissue and worsen the scar.
When to See a Podiatrist
Seek help if:
The callus keeps returning.
It becomes painful or bleeds.
The scar underneath is cracking.
The area is too sensitive to touch.
Walking becomes uncomfortable.
You’re unsure about home treatment.
A podiatrist can safely remove hard skin and advise you on footwear, insoles, or pressure redistribution.
Does Callus Over a Scar Go Away?
Yes — with proper moisturising, siliconing, and pressure reduction, the callus usually:
Softens.
Smooths out.
Thins gradually.
Stops returning.
Final Tips for Managing Callus on a Surgical Scar
Moisturise daily.
Use silicone to soften the area.
Reduce friction with footwear changes.
Use urea cream for gradual exfoliation.
Avoid cutting or over-filing.
Monitor your walking pattern.
Seek help if unsure
Proper care helps the scar stay flexible, smooth, and less painful over time.
Need structured scar and callus aftercare guidance?
Our full recovery bundle includes step-by-step routines, silicone + urea schedules, and long-term scar care plans.
Further Reading from The Foot Aftercare Institute:
Explore more expert tips and foot care guides to support your skin health recovery.
How to Use Urea Cream and Silicone Gel Properly
Understand how urea and silicone support scar softening and safe exfoliation
When to See a Podiatrist for Foot Problems
Knowing when professional advice is needed for recurring calluses or painful scars
Shop scar and callus recovery kits that include urea cream, silicone gel, and aftercare guides.
Daily Foot Care routine Guide - Coming Soon
your step-by-step routine for moisturising, protecting, and managing healing skin