Hi, I Visited A Podiatric For Calluses On The Bottom

Posted on Thu, 4 Jul 2019

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

Thu, 4 Jul 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I visited a Podiatric for calluses on the bottom of my feet on XXXXXXX 19, 2019. The Podiatric trimmed the calluses and placed 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 few weeks. I have been washing my feet with soap and water and applying Petroleum Jelly. The callus on the right foot has returned to normal color, however, the left foot is still 80% Black is this a problem? Do I just continue washing the foot to get the normal color?

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (0 minute later)

Hi, I visited a Podiatric for calluses on the bottom of my feet on XXXXXXX 19, 2019. The Podiatric trimmed the calluses and placed 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 few weeks. I have been washing my feet with soap and water and applying Petroleum Jelly. The callus on the right foot has returned to normal color, however, the left foot is still 80% Black is this a problem? Do I just continue washing the foot to get the normal color?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding discoloration

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have reviewed your query and noted your concern.

Pyrogallic acid is a caustic and is a very old treatment for corns and calluses. The discoloration is temporary and is due to the caustic nature of the acid and should subside in a few days.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

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

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (0 minute later)

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)

Hi,
The doctor said it was a antiseptic when she applied it. Is the acid similar to Salicylic acid? Is it eating away at my foot the longer it remains on my foot? Is it causing harm to the skin? Should I wash the foot more often to help rinse it off? I shower every other day. Should I shower every day to rinse it off quicker? Thanks!

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (0 minute later)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding a callus

Detailed Answer:
hi.
yes pyrogallic acid is a keratolytic similar to salicylic acid. It helps to break down the tough skin of calluses which subsequently sheds off. Its action is limited to the site of action. Continue with the vaseline application. No other specific measures are needed.
Take care

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

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (0 minute later)

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (35 hours later)

Hi,
I have sensitive skin and was not told that this was an acid when it was applied. Can Pyrogallic acid cause skin problems? Or is it generally safe with just one application? I have been bathing daily and applying the Petroleum Jelly. It seems to be washing off slowly. Thanks!

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (0 minute later)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (36 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding callus

Detailed Answer:
hi.

Pyrogallic acid is safe and a common treatment modality used by podiatrists for warts and calluses. Dermatologists mostly prefer salicylic acid and lactic acid for warts and calluses. Just continue with what you have been doing. It should be ok. Thank you

Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar