Bedtime Piña Colada Callus Treatment

Calluses, those thickened patches of dead skin that form on your heels and toes, generally worsen during summer and winter months, when skin is extra-dry. If left unattended, you may develop fissures: extremely painful cracks in the skin - particularly on the backs of your heels - that may bleed and become infected.

Don't let calluses reach this point. You'll need to soak your feet, reduce hardened skin with a natural pumice stone and moisturize to rehydrate thirsty tissue.

Ingredients

1 foot bath (use a large, clean bucket if you don't own one)

2 to 3 cups organic pineapple juice

½ cup organic coconut milk

1 natural pumice stone

1 organic cotton bath towel

Your favorite organic moisturizer for extra-dry skin

A pair of organic cotton socks

Directions

Add the pineapple juice to the foot bath. Pineapple contains a natural enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down hardened skin.

Add the coconut milk and stir well.

Soak your feet for approximately 8-10 minutes. Rinse well with warm water.

Apply the pumice stone to calloused areas and rub gently. Don't overdo it! You don't want to irritate or remove too much tender skin.

Towel dry. Apply your favorite organic moisturizer while feet are still damp.

Put on your organic cotton socks and wear them through the night, as you sleep. You'll awaken with much softer feet!

Note: If you have severe calluses or heel fissures, you may need to see a podiatrist so he can excise the tough layers of skin. Never attempt "bathroom surgery" - cutting skin with a beauty-store blade or other sharp instrument. You risk injuring yourself and invite infection. Also avoid open-backed shoes (flip flops, sandals or pumps), which slap against the heels and create friction.

Barbara Feiner-Contributor