Hi, I Visited A Podiatric For A Calluses On The

Posted on Sun, 23 Jun 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I visited a Podiatric for a calluses on the bottom of my feet on Wednesday of this week. The Podiatric trimmed the calluses and place something called pyrogallic acid on the calluses. The pyrogallic acid has turned the calluses black. I called the doctor and she stated the calluses will be black for a couple of weeks because of the pyrogallic acid and this is Okay. She did not explain this before applying the pyrogallic acid. Is it safe to wash my feet with soap and water tonight. Thanks, Ulysses.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can wash the foot.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

Pyrogallic acid has an antiseptic effect which means disinfects the foot and prevent infection of callus.
It has the ability to turn black on Sun. I think you can safely wash it with soap and water without any problem.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can asvsist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (16 hours later)

Thanks, do you know how long it takes for the black color to fade-away? Also, can I put Petroleum Jelly on the foot calluses?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Use petroleum over.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again. I think the discolouration may need a few days to go away as you wash it . You can safely use petroleum jelly over it .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj