This is kind of a no-brainer, but every expert we talked to said the same thing: Beware of drills and razors (often used in pedicures to remove callouses).

To get a doctor’s perspective on it, I reached out to Dr. Spalding, author of “Death by Pedicure.” He says, “nail techs using callus-cutting tools and nail nippers, files, cuticle pushers, and electric burrs and drills, can and do scratch and nick skin.” When this happens, the nick or cut opens the skin to possible infections.

If you do opt for callous removal, always choose scrubbing or a chemical remover. Never allow your nail technician to cut or shave the skin off your feet. “Cutting is cutting,” and “not recommended,” says celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi, owner of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spas in New York City. Not to mention, the more you cut, the thicker the calluses will grow back, she says.