Callus describes an area of thickened skin.  As skin thickens, it becomes stiff and can be uncomfortable to walk on.  Particularly in summer, in hot, dry weather callus can crack deep into the skin. At this point, a foot file or pumice stone won’t do the job. Scalpel debridement provides fast and instant reduction in the painful callus, and advice regarding footwear and foot balm options can be helpful in reducing callus formation.