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Getting a pedicure may be one of the first things you do when the weather warms up and you’re gearing up for sandal season. But there’s one tool doctors say you should never use on your feet: a cheese-grater foot file.
These foot files can actually do more harm than good, Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a board-certified podiatrist in Washington, D.C., told HuffPost. “As a podiatrist, I don’t recommend either using them on yourself or even going to a salon and having a nail technician use them to remove calluses or dry skin.”
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These coarse metal files feature tiny, sharp blades, resembling a cheese grater, and are touted for their ability to remove thick, dry skin or calluses. They’ve been around for a while — you can purchase them from drugstores, and they’re all over TikTok.
Tulpule said she does get the appeal. “I have these thick calluses, so it sounds kind of innocuous: Why don’t I just use a rasp and try to file them off?” she said. It turns out there are actually a lot of reasons. Here’s what you should know about these common pedicure tools.
Here’s why grater-style foot files can be harmful.
These foot files can “provide instant gratification, seeing the dead skin slough off,” Sara Moghaddam, a board-certified dermatologist in Delaware, told HuffPost. “But when they are used with too much force, small raw wounds or cracks in the skin can occur.”
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This makes you vulnerable to viruses and bacteria seeping in, which could lead to infections, she explained. For instance, the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes plantar warts can enter these tiny wounds, and a wart could pop up months later.
Using this type of foot file could also irritate the skin and cause bleeding, said Dr. Howard Sobel, a cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He also doesn’t recommend these tools and has had patients who’ve been injured by them: “The grater went too deep and caused an ulceration that took weeks to heal.”
In her practice, Tulpule said she’s seen patients with “raw skin, bleeding skin, scrapes, infections, skin damage” from these tools.
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She noted that people with diabetes or poor circulation in their feet should especially avoid them. They’re more prone to infections if they get a deep cut, she explained. “That could land someone in the hospital.”
Moyo Studio via Getty Images
Graters actually aren’t an effective way to get rid of calluses.
Besides potentially causing an injury or infection, cheese grater-style foot files aren’t a good way to remove calluses, at least long-term. They can actually make rough skin worse.
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Calluses form from repeated trauma and rubbing, Moghaddam said. When you file them with a rough, sharp tool, they may initially feel smoother, but they’ll usually grow back thicker, Sobel said.
“Frequent use with these can encourage the skin to want to protect itself and promote the skin to become thicker and harder over time,” Moghaddam said.
This is known as reactive hyperkeratosis and refers to the thickening of the outer layer of skin as a way to protect itself from irritation, Tulpule explained.
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“When you use a cheese grater, you’re filing that epidermis,” she said. “If you end up going too deep into the dermis, you’re affecting the skin cells,” which can trigger callus regrowth.
“So, it almost is like a catch-22,” Tulpule added. “You’re trying to use a tool to get rid of your calluses, but if used improperly, it makes the problem worse over time.”
Should you avoid these types of foot files altogether?
Several state cosmetology boards have banned cheese grater foot files in nail salons. Others have discouraged their use.
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The doctors HuffPost spoke to suggested avoiding these tools — not purchasing them to use at home and asking pedicurists not to use them if you go to a nail salon.
“I’d recommend a patient ask the nail salon to just smooth and moisturize the area with lotion rather than grating their calluses,” Sobel said.
Nail techs might not be trained on how aggressively to file, and if the tool is too sharp, it could lead to raw, red or cut skin, said Tulpule, who recently asked that a nail salon not use a cheese grater during her pedicure.
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However, if you must use one, Moghaddam suggested applying very gentle pressure (or asking your pedicurist to do so) to avoid traumatizing the skin on the foot. And always make sure the file comes out of a sterile pack and has been sterilized properly.
There are more effective ways to get rid of calluses.
When you have dry, cracked skin or calluses on your feet, there are better ways to remove them to prevent them from growing back thicker and harder, Tulpule said.
Start by soaking your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, which she said will soften the skin so it’s easier to remove.
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Then, use a foot scrub or pumice stone to gently exfoliate your feet, Sobel said. Pumice stones aren’t as aggressive as graters, and you usually don’t scrape too deep into the skin with them, Tulpule said.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wetting the pumice stone with warm water and using a gentle circular or sideways motion to remove the dead skin. But be careful not to remove too much skin.
Moisturize your feet with lotions or creams that contain salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea, AAD said. Some examples that Tulpule recommends include AmLactin Foot Repair Cream or CeraVe Renewing SA Foot Cream, which can be purchased at drugstores.
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“These are natural exfoliating agents to help soften the skin gradually,” Moghaddam said. “It is best to apply it right after the bath or shower daily.”
Wearing properly fitting shoes that minimize friction or rubbing can help prevent calluses, she said. That includes flip-flops, which Moghaddam said are “big offenders and usually cause heel calluses to worsen.”
If the calluses or dry skin on your feet don’t improve or get worse, see a dermatologist or podiatrist. “Many rashes can be mistaken for callus or dry skin of the feet, which may need prescription treatment,” Moghaddam said.
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Looking for something to soften the skin on your feet? Reviewers love the products below.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
1
Amazon
This foot cream made with seven different moisturizers
Gold Bond is loved for affordable moisturizing products and this foot cream is especially popular. It’s made with three key vitamins: vitamin E (which can help to lock in moisture), vitamin B (which helps with the appearance of skin) and vitamin C (which can protect against environmental stressors).
Promising review: “Having very rough heels and wearing sandals was embarrassing. This keeps my feet looking very nice.” — Genie
2
Amazon
A 3-pack of this unscented foot cream for dry, rough skin
Think your cracked heels are beyond hope? Give this Eucerin foot cream a try and your feet will be transformed. It’s formulated to gently exfoliate and moisturize dry, damaged heels, helping repair the skin’s moisture barrier.
Promising review: “Recommended by my dermatologist and the more I use it the better my skin looks, no more flaky areas, no more callus building up, soft healthy looking skin on my feet.” — Bella
3
Amazon
This concentrated foot cream that’s safe for sensitive skin
More than 83,000 people have bought and rated this foot cream on Amazon with the vast majority giving it a perfect 5-star rating. Unscented and non-greasy, it’s suitable for sensitive skin.
Promising review: “I am an avid hiker, and because of that, my feet were pretty beat up. Several areas with severe calluses, dry, cracked heels, you name it. I have tried every product under the sun, including all of the popular name brand foot creams and rubs, exfoliating devices… All of it. I bought Healthy Feet because of the reviews and couldn't believe it. It actually works! My feet, for the first time in at least 10 years, are soft, callus-free and look healthy. I put it on every morning before I put my socks on to help it soak in and it has been a complete transformation for my feet. I will buy this stuff for the rest of my life! I can't recommend it enough!” — DeEtta S.
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4
Amazon
This foot cream that helps loosen dry calluses
Made with shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil, this foot cream is formulated to gently exfoliate the skin, making removing dry calluses easier while simultaneously locking in moisture.
Promising review: “This cream has made my cracked heels so soft! I've been using it only at night before bed, and the heel cracks have about disappeared, even though I'm still in and out of the pool and walking barefoot around the place all the time. Wow, the 40% urea really made a difference for those callouses. No knock on Kerasal, which works the same; it just takes longer to heal those bad cracks because of its lower concentration of active ingredients.
This thick, sticky cream dries to a powdery matte finish (the Kerasal is in a petrolatum base and stays greasier). I put socks on over the product but only to hold in the moisture a little more; once it's dry, the cream doesn't leave grease stains. Don't be put off by the texture of the cream, which acts a bit like white glue while you're applying it. Just spread a nice layer over those callouses, rub the rest into your cuticles, let dry a couple minutes and you're done! The urea softens and draws moisture into your skin, while the salicylic acid helps exfoliate that thick dry layer on top. No more heel cracks, nor rough cuticles. I am thrilled with my newly soft, soft skin.” — Goat girl
5
Amazon
This ointment that softens skin
Technically an ointment and not a cream, this foot product is a best seller (it has more than 53,000 ratings) and it’s easy to see why: You simply massage a few drops into your feet and let it work its magic. You’ll notice your heels soften as you go about your day thanks to the combo of petrolatum and salicylic acid.
Promising review: “I have tested countless foot care products, but Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Ointment is an exceptional solution for cracked heels and dry feet. My own feet were suffering from severe dryness and painful cracks. Upon applying the ointment just once, I noticed a remarkable difference. The formula immediately soothed and hydrated my skin, alleviating the discomfort.
Over a few days, my feet underwent a dramatic transformation. The cracks began to heal and the skin regained its softness and suppleness. I could finally walk comfortably again without the agonizing pain that had plagued me. This ointment contains a potent blend of active ingredients, including ceramides, shea butter and lanolin, which work synergistically to repair damaged skin, seal in moisture, and prevent future dryness. The thick, creamy texture adheres well to the skin, ensuring prolonged hydration. Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Ointment is a must-have for anyone with cracked heels or dry feet. Its effectiveness and ease of use make it a lifesaver for summer feet. I highly recommend this product to anyone seeking a solution to foot care woes.” — Lisa G.
6
Amazon
This shea butter-based foot cream
Made with salicylic acid, shea butter, tea tree oil and vitamin E, this thick foot cream will turn any rough patches silky smooth. The salicylic acid serves as a gentle exfoliant while the tea tree oil calms inflammation and the shea butter and vitamin E moisturize.
Promising review: “I’ve had monster calluses and cracked heels for years. I tried a lot of products. This one works for me. I noticed a huge improvement in just four days. Two weeks and the cracks were gone. Calluses are no longer a problem. It has a light, neutral scent and nice texture. It sinks right in.” — Springhop
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7
Amazon
This maximum strength urea-based foot cream
Urea is a common ingredient in foot cream because it helps remove dead skin cells while binding to water, helping keep skin moisturized. It’s the primary ingredient in this popular option.
Promising review: “I have no idea how I did not know about this product until now. I was watching a dermatologist recommend urea creams on her channel and I decided to give it a try. I suffer from very dry skin but I decided to give it a shot since body oil and generic lotions just never do the trick for as long as I would like. I put this cream all over my feet after a warm shower…really focusing on my heels and then I immediately put on socks and went to bed. I was shocked with the results the next morning. My rough heels were soft and it looked like I just got a pedicure. It’s three days later and my dry heels have only slightly returned.
I will definitely do this trick at least once a week. I personally do not recommend putting this on the body unless you just got out of a warm shower and your skin is still damp. I did notice that when I put it on my dry body, that I must have used too much product and therefore was left with a sticky feeling and slight build up. I am extremely satisfied with the price because other urea creams can be pretty expensive. I definitely will continue to use this product for my feet. Please give it a try so you can feel confident being barefoot or wearing sandals and heels.” — Catie Schooley
8
Amazon
This foot cream that keeps feet moisturized for 24 hours
Dr. Scholl’s is a big name in the foot game and this foot cream is made to undo the dryness that you may be experiencing in your feet. Made with urea, essential oils and Epsom salt, it’ll keep your feet soft for 24 hours. The peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus scent will have your feet smelling great too!
Promising review: “I haven't had feet this soft since I was in my 20s. This stuff really worked for me. I put it on every morning before I put my socks and shoes on and go to work. At the end of the day, my feet look great and are soft.” — Veronica
9
Amazon
This foot cream with tea tree oil that’s perfect for athletes
If you’re an athlete or work out a lot, you should especially show your feet some love and using this tea tree oil-based foot cream is a great way to do it. Not only does it smell amazing, according to reviewers, but it also helps prevent athlete’s foot — particularly helpful if you shower at the gym.
Promising review: “This foot cream is the only product that has helped my feet. They stay hydrated, they don't crack, burn or feel painfully tired at the end of the day. I use it morning and night. I hope it stays around because it is a permanent part of my daily life now.” — Crystlmalice
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10
Amazon
This heel balm that treats cracked skin
Unlike some thick lotions, this heel cream is absorbed quickly. Then, it gets to work, softening your feet as you go about your day. It won’t leave behind a greasy residue either.
Promising review: “The first day, I could feel the difference. After about two weeks of consistent use along with light scrubbing, the couple cracks I’ve had for years on one heel are gone.” — L099
11
Target
This hydrating heel cream
Make a nightly ritual of applying this heel cream before bed and your feet could consistently look like you just got a pedicure. Made with alpha hydroxy acids to smooth skin, your feet will be baby soft.
Promising review: “Literally saved my cracked heels within a week of using it. I have always had really dry and cracked heels and regular lotion or Aquaphor doesn’t do the trick.” — hotchips
12
Target
This foot cream specially formulated for dry skin
Don’t knock the Target brand beauty products; shoppers are obsessed with this foot cream that’s less than $5. It has just enough of a “mild peppermint scent” to it, according to one reviewer, and hydrates skin without feeling too heavy.
Promising review: “In the winter, I use this lotion with socks on after I shower and it works wonders on my feet. They are no longer dry or cracked.” — Momof4
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13
Target
This dermatologist-recommended foot cream
If you’ve developed thick calluses on your feet, this dermatologist-recommended foot cream will help soften them right up thanks to the active ingredient, lactic acid. It helps repair splits and cracks quickly, yet gently.
Promising review: “This foot cream works like a charm - put it on at night with socks for about a week and you will be amazed at the transformation in your feet” — Carol
14
Walmart
This coconut oil-based foot cream
The coconut oil in this foot cream moisturizes while rosemary extract helps calm inflamed skin. Bonus: one reviewer said it smells “amazing.”
Promising review: “I’m really happy I came across this product. My feet were in bad shape, very dry and so badly cracked that it hurt to walk but thanks to Burt’s Bees they are on their way to recovery. The only thing I dislike is that it's a little messy, but if it completely heals my heels I don't care.” — 550123
15
Walmart
This foot gel that doubles as an antifungal toenail treatment
Who doesn’t love a multitasking beauty product? Heal calluses and cracks while preventing the growth of fungi under your toenails — a must if you shower at the gym. Even though you’re hard on your feet, they’ll still look cute!
Promising review: “It is great stuff. You should know not to put it on your whole foot, just the parts with problems. Be sure to always put lotion on after putting on the aura. Next morning wash it off and more lotion. It got rid of my ugly crack heels in one week. I will use this once a month to keep my heels smooth. Thanks for this great product.” — Becky
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