What are the main causes of calluses on feet. How can podiatrists help prevent and treat calluses. When should you seek professional help for a callus. What are the differences between corns and calluses.

Understanding Calluses: Formation and Common Locations

Calluses are patches of thick, hardened skin that develop as the body’s natural defense mechanism against excessive pressure or friction. They commonly occur on weight-bearing areas of the feet, such as the heels and balls, but can also form on the tips of toes, tops of toe joints, and sides of the foot where skin rubs against shoes.

Why do calluses form? The body creates these toughened areas of skin to protect underlying tissues from damage due to repeated stress. While calluses are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate more significant foot problems or lead to complications if left untreated.

Common Locations for Foot Calluses

• Heels
• Balls of the feet
• Tips of toes
• Tops of toe joints
• Sides of the foot

Primary Causes of Calluses on Feet

Several factors contribute to the development of calluses on feet. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and management:

1. Daily Activities and Lifestyle Factors

Prolonged standing or walking, especially for those who are overweight or wear the same shoes daily, can lead to callus formation. The constant pressure on specific areas of the feet triggers the body’s protective response.

2. Sports and Physical Activities

Engaging in sports or high-impact activities can place undue stress on certain parts of the feet. Additionally, increased sweating and exposure to water can dry out the skin, making it more prone to callus formation. Do athletes need a special foot care routine to prevent calluses? A comprehensive foot care regimen that includes moisturizing and addressing friction points can significantly reduce the risk of callus development in active individuals.

3. Foot Deformities and Structural Issues

Conditions such as bunions, arthritis, or misshapen toes can cause abnormal pressure distribution or rubbing against shoes, leading to callus formation. How do foot deformities contribute to callus development? These structural abnormalities alter the way weight is distributed across the foot, creating areas of high pressure that are prone to callus formation.

4. Improper Footwear

Ill-fitting shoes, particularly those that are too tight or have high heels, can create pressure points and friction, encouraging callus growth. Narrow shoes may cause hammertoes that rub against the top of the shoe, while high heels concentrate weight on the ball of the foot.

5. Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions can increase the likelihood of developing calluses:

• Diabetes: Particularly concerning due to the risk of complications
• Psoriasis and eczema: Can cause dry, thickened skin
• Thyroid problems: May affect skin health and moisture levels

How does diabetes impact callus formation and management? Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, reducing sensation in the feet. This decreased sensitivity means individuals may not notice callus development or feel pain if the callus splits, potentially leading to diabetic foot ulcers.

Distinguishing Between Corns and Calluses

While often confused, corns and calluses are distinct foot conditions:

Calluses

Calluses are larger, flatter areas of thickened skin. They typically form on weight-bearing areas of the foot and are usually painless unless they become very thick.

Corns

Corns are smaller, more concentrated areas of hard skin with a central core. They often develop on non-weight-bearing areas, such as the tops or sides of toes, and can be painful when pressed.

What is the key difference in the formation of corns versus calluses? Corns tend to develop due to more localized pressure or friction, often from tight shoes, while calluses form in response to more widespread pressure or friction across larger areas of the foot.

Professional Podiatric Interventions for Calluses

Podiatrists play a crucial role in both treating existing calluses and preventing their recurrence. Their expertise allows for a comprehensive approach to foot health:

1. Footwear Assessment and Recommendations

A podiatrist can evaluate your current footwear for potential issues and provide guidance on selecting shoes that fit properly and reduce pressure points.

2. Custom Orthotics

By analyzing the location of calluses, podiatrists can identify underlying foot structure issues. Custom orthotics can help redistribute weight more evenly across the foot, reducing pressure on callus-prone areas.

3. Treatment of Foot Deformities

In cases where structural foot problems contribute to callus formation, a podiatrist may recommend conservative treatments or, in some cases, surgical intervention to correct the deformity.

4. Safe Removal of Calluses

Professional removal of calluses ensures the procedure is done safely, reducing the risk of infection or injury. How do podiatrists safely remove calluses? They use sterile instruments and techniques to gradually thin the thickened skin without causing damage to healthy tissue.

5. Education on Proper Foot Care

Podiatrists can provide valuable instruction on home care techniques, including proper washing, moisturizing, and safe methods for addressing rough patches of skin.

Home Care Strategies for Managing Calluses

While professional care is important, there are several steps individuals can take at home to manage and prevent calluses:

1. Regular moisturizing to keep skin supple
2. Gentle exfoliation with a pumice stone
3. Wearing properly fitting shoes and moisture-wicking socks
4. Using protective pads in areas prone to friction
5. Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on feet

Is it safe to use over-the-counter callus removal products? While some OTC products can be effective, it’s important to use them as directed and avoid those containing harsh chemicals that could damage healthy skin. Consult with a podiatrist before using any new product on your feet, especially if you have diabetes or circulation issues.

When to Seek Professional Help for Calluses

While many calluses can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional attention:

• Calluses that are painful, swollen, or red
• Calluses that crack or bleed
• Any foot issues in individuals with diabetes or circulatory problems
• Calluses that interfere with daily activities
• Recurrent calluses despite home care efforts

What are the potential risks of neglecting problematic calluses? Ignoring severe or painful calluses can lead to complications such as infections, ulcerations, or alterations in gait that may cause secondary issues in the feet, ankles, or knees.

Advanced Treatments and Future Directions in Callus Management

As podiatric medicine advances, new approaches to callus prevention and treatment are emerging:

Innovative Materials in Footwear and Orthotics

Researchers are developing new materials that better distribute pressure and reduce friction, potentially decreasing callus formation. How might these advances impact callus prevention? These materials could lead to more effective, comfortable orthotics and shoes that significantly reduce the incidence of calluses, especially in high-risk individuals.

Regenerative Medicine Approaches

Some studies are exploring the use of growth factors and stem cells to promote healthier skin growth and improve the skin’s resilience to pressure and friction.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

High-resolution imaging of the feet can help identify pressure points and structural issues before calluses form, allowing for proactive interventions.

What role might artificial intelligence play in callus prevention and treatment? AI algorithms could analyze foot structure, gait patterns, and pressure distribution to predict callus formation and suggest personalized preventive measures or treatment plans.

In conclusion, while calluses are a common foot condition, understanding their causes and adopting proper foot care practices can significantly reduce their occurrence and impact. Regular self-examination of the feet, coupled with professional podiatric care when needed, ensures that calluses are managed effectively, promoting overall foot health and comfort. As research continues to advance our understanding of foot biomechanics and skin health, we can anticipate even more effective strategies for preventing and treating calluses in the future.

Idaho Podiatrist Explains Callus Causes and Treatments | Twin Falls Experienced Callus Specialist

Everyone will experience calluses on their feet at some point in their lives. These patches of hard, dried skin are the body’s way of protecting the foot from excessive pressure. While calluses are not always a cause for concern, they can be a sign of bigger problems and cause severe injuries down the line.

Why Do I Have Calluses?

Calluses are usually located on parts of the body that bear weight, like the heels and balls of the feet. They can also build up on areas that suffer repeated friction, such as the tips of toes, tops of the toe joints, or the sides of the foot where the skin rubs against the shoe.

Common Causes of Calluses on Feet

• Daily activities. Standing or walking for long periods places weight-bearing pressure on feet that can cause calluses, particularly if a patient is overweight or wears the same shoes from day to day.
• Sports injury. Running and playing team sports can place undue pressure on certain parts of the feet, while added bathing and showering can dry out the skin. These can cause calluses to form, especially if you don’t have a foot care regimen to control friction and replace lost moisture.
• Diabetes. Calluses are always a concern for people with diabetes. Patients with neuropathy may not notice a callus developing on their feet—or feel any pain when the callus splits open into a diabetic foot ulcer. If not treated quickly, the wound may become infected or gangrenous, leading to the need for amputation.
• Systemic problems. Many different conditions can cause dry skin that encourages calluses to form, such as psoriasis, eczema, thyroid problems, natural aging, and medication side effects.

How Podiatrists Help Prevent and Treat Calluses

A podiatrist can be invaluable in both the treatment of calluses and in preventing them from coming back. There are many different methods used to correct calluses, including:

• Examining your footwear. Ill-fitting shoes are a common cause of calluses in people of every age. Tight or narrow shoes can cause hammertoes that rub against the top of the shoe, while high heels place most of the body’s weight on the ball of the foot. We can examine your regular shoes for signs of trouble, determine if your socks are compounding the problem, and advise you on how to choose shoes that fit correctly. 
• Addressing foot deformities. Bunions, arthritis, misshapen toes, or other foot complaints can cause painful rubbing against the shoe or neighboring toes. If padding and footwear modification doesn’t relieve the pressure, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity.
• Creating custom orthotics. The location of a callus is key to understanding the underlying cause. For example, patients may suffer calluses along the inside of the heel and ball of the foot due to flat feet, while patients with high arches commonly have calluses on the outside edge of the foot. Custom orthotics can help modify an uneven gait, encouraging even weight distribution and promoting healthy foot structure.
• Advising you on proper foot care. There are a variety of home care treatments for calluses, but slow and steady interventions are always best. We can show you how to prevent calluses from forming with thorough washing and moisturizing and address rough patches using a pumice stone.
• Safely removing dead skin. Too many patients attempt to remove their calluses using scissors, razors, rasps, or battery-operated pedicure tools. Unfortunately, these home remedies often cause more harm than good, causing breaks in the skin that bleed and intrude infections into the bloodstream. Our foot care professionals have years of experience removing calluses safely and painlessly.

When Should I Seek Help for a Callus?

Podiatrists can treat calluses at any time, but patients often come to us when calluses have developed into painful secondary conditions. If you have a callus that is swollen, red, painful, or showing other signs of trouble, we can help. Request an appointment online or speak with our team in either Twin Falls or Burley by calling (208) 731-6321.

by Matt Wettstein, DPM

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Corns and calluses – NHS

Corns and calluses are hard or thick areas of skin that can be painful. They’re not often serious. There are things you can try to ease them yourself.

Check if you have a corn or callus

You mostly get corns and calluses on your feet, toes and hands.

Corns are small lumps of hard skin.

Credit:

Alexander Korzh / Alamy Stock Photo : https://www.alamy.com/2F66NY0

Calluses are larger patches of rough, thick skin.

Credit:

Aleksandr Volkov / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-the-underside-of-the-foot-of-an-old-woman-with-calluses-on-black-background-55884034.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=34BCF1D5-59B7-4D10-A6EC-8554185F4399&p=153313&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dD6WMJA%26qt_raw%3dD6WMJA%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d32846%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2%26edrf%3d1%26ispremium%3d1%26flip%3d0%26pl%3d

Corns and calluses can also be tender or painful.

Credit:

Dr James K. DeOrio, MD/WebMD Medical Reference in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1089807-overview?reg=1

What you can do about corns and calluses

Information:

If you have diabetes, heart disease or problems with your circulation, do not try to treat corns and calluses yourself.

These conditions can make foot problems more serious. See a GP or foot specialist.

Corns and calluses are not often serious.

There are some things you can try to get rid of them yourself and stop them coming back.

Do

• wear thick, cushioned socks

• wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole that do not rub

• use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes

• soak corns and calluses in warm water to soften them

• regularly use a pumice stone or foot file to remove hard skin

• moisturise to help keep skin soft

Don’t

• do not try to cut off corns or calluses yourself

• do not walk long distances or stand for long periods

• do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes

• do not go barefoot

A pharmacist can help with corns and calluses

You can ask a pharmacist about:

• heel pads and insoles
• products to treat corns and calluses
• different types of pain relief

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

You think you have a corn or callus and:

• you have diabetes
• you have heart disease or problems with your circulation
• it bleeds, or has any pus or discharge
• it has not improved after treating it at home for 3 weeks
• the pain is severe or stopping you doing your normal activities

What we mean by severe pain

Severe pain:

• always there and so bad it’s hard to think or talk
• you cannot sleep
• it’s very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress

Moderate pain:

• always there
• makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
• you can manage to get up, wash or dress

Mild pain:

• comes and goes
• is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

Treatment for corns and calluses

A GP can check if you have a corn or callus.

They might:

• give you antibiotics if a corn or callus is infected
• refer you to a foot specialist if they think you need further treatment

Treatment from a foot specialist

A foot specialist, such as a podiatrist, may be able to offer treatments such as:

• cutting away the corn or callus
• patches to help soften the hard skin so it can be removed
• specially made soft pads or insoles to take pressure off the painful area of your foot

Referral to a podiatrist on the NHS may not be available to everyone and waiting times can be long. You can pay to see a podiatrist privately.

Common causes of corns or calluses

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure or rubbing of the skin on the hands or feet.

For example, from:

• wearing high heels, uncomfortable shoes or shoes that are the wrong size
• not wearing socks with shoes
• lifting heavy weights
• playing a musical instrument

Page last reviewed: 24 August 2022
Next review due: 24 August 2025

How to treat dry callus | How to treat dry calluses on the feet

Calluses appear most often on the foot, less often on the hands or other parts of the body. People with hypertension, diabetes, people with thyroid problems and, above all, people who work physically, walk a lot or lift weights, are predisposed to their formation.

Callus formation is often associated with lifestyle or regularly recurring activities. For example, musicians may have problems with fingers in unusual places related to the instrument they use.

In addition, the formation of corns is often associated with the use of shoes that do not fit the shape of the foot. For example, when the shoes we wear are too small, tight, or compress some part of the foot, they can leave a scar. Calluses are not dangerous to health, but they cause discomfort in the form of pain, and also have an unsightly appearance.

Contents :

• What are calluses?
• Types of calluses on feet
• How to get rid of calluses
• Remove prints
• Prophylaxis
• Home remedies

What are calluses?

To know how to treat dry corn, you should understand the reason for its appearance. This disease is unpleasant and, unfortunately, quite common. This is a protective reaction of the skin to local pressure or friction. Irritated in this way, the skin accelerates the production of flattened keratinized cells, accelerates the process of their maturation, thickens collagen fibers, which, instead of exfoliating, die off. This leads to the formation of a limited thickening of the epidermis. Usually the culprit is an uncomfortable shoe, too tight or too loose, often with high heels, which is why women and overweight people most often suffer from them. Calluses can also be associated with other foot conditions, their structure, for example (flat feet or high pad).

Types of calluses on the feet

Dermatologists and orthopedists distinguish between the following types of thickening: calluses, corns. The first of these occur most often on the soles of the feet – mainly around the heel and on the inside of the hand. They are gray or slightly yellowish, flat, and the skin around them is clearly red.

Calluses are smaller and often have the shape of a small circle. If their base is very hard, then we are dealing with dry corn with a root. There may be a so-called horn plug inside the imprint, i.e. root. It is a source of discomfort, since the root can affect the nerve endings. Those on the feet are usually the result of wearing shoes that are too tight, and those on the hands are associated with physical work or sports. Calluses take the form of large, flat surfaces of the calloused epidermis.

How to get rid of calluses

Effective treatment of the disease requires elimination of the factors that caused their development, i.e. wearing tight shoes, using shoe inserts, pillows, orthopedic insoles or protective gloves when working with tools. Dry corn, how to remove? In their treatment, drugs containing salicylic and lactic acids are used, which exfoliate, soften and loosen the skin.

Nail treatment (podology) ⟶

Nail care ⟶

Therapeutic pedicure ⟶

There are many preparations in pharmacies to remove calluses on the feet. Among the products that are most popular: patches, lotions, corn ointments. Preparations should be applied topically directly to the imprint and avoid contact with healthy skin. Because lubrication of healthy skin can cause it to peel and cause wounds and infections. Special socks are popular, filled with a healing liquid that removes roughened epidermis, relieves corns and thickenings, and also has a softening and moisturizing effect. Among the measures to prevent the formation of growths, the selection of correctly profiled shoes made from natural materials and proper foot skin care are of paramount importance.

Callus patches

How to treat dry calluses on the feet? You can solve the problem with the help of specialized patches soaked in exfoliating and softening preparations. They can be used on both calluses and corns. There are various types of patches available on the market.

Modern hydrocolloid patches are a good example. Their main task is to reduce pressure and protect thickened skin. In addition, they are waterproof, breathable, provide a moist environment, absorb exudate, and do not cause discomfort when they are removed. The material can also be used for preventive purposes. It is recommended to put them on before leaving the house in new, too narrow or tight shoes.

Ointments

In addition to plasters, gel, lotion or ointment for corns can be bought in pharmacies or medical stores. Most products contain salicylic acid, lactic acid, or both. Salicylic acid (usually at a concentration of 40%) dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis, facilitating exfoliation.

Lactic acid at 10% has a similar effect. It softens and loosens the coarsened epidermis. In addition, salicylic and lactic acids also have antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Many ointments available in pharmacies also have anti-inflammatory properties. Remember to apply the product only to the print and not to healthy skin, as this may cause irritation or cause an allergic reaction. Callus ointment should not be used by people with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Removing prints

How to remove dry corn? If the treatment of corns does not help, it remains only to remove them mechanically. To do this, it is best to visit a dermatologist, orthopedist or cosmetologist. In a specialized office, growths and roots are removed with a chisel, scalpel or milling cutter. Some orthopedic or aesthetic medicine offices offer laser removal.

When deciding to undergo treatment with a specialist, we can be sure that it will be painless and will not leave a wound, and the place after printing will be properly decontaminated and protected. After treatment, appropriate moisturizing and regenerating preparations should be used to get rid of the sore forever.

Prevention

People prone to corns should first take care of comfortable and tight-fitting shoes. It should not be too narrow or too wide. Orthopedists recommend avoiding high-heeled shoes with pointed toes. Regular removal of the thickened epidermis is also recommended. Manual workers who often develop blisters on their hands should wear protective gloves.

Home remedies

Home treatments for dry corn are less tested, but can work well in many cases. Especially if the imprint we want to get rid of is not too big. One of the methods used is the use of compresses. To do this, the problem area is covered with lemon slices, an onion or a cut clove of garlic.

Smearing the impression with certain preparations is also used. This includes, first of all, rubbing a crushed aspirin tablet or powdered vitamin A and lanolin into the corn. You can also perform a light massage of the growth and the area around it. During massage, you can use argan or castor oil, which have a beneficial effect on the properties of the skin.

Calluses – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment

Synonyms

Corns are called corns, dry calluses, corns. Another medical name for thickening of the stratum corneum is hyperkeratosis. Calluses can be called corns, which are located on the toes and in the upper part of the foot.

General information

The outer layer of the skin of the foot is the epidermis, which has a protective function. It is a barrier between the external environment and the dermis. The keratinized layer has a small thickness – from 0. 03 to 0.05 mm. The epidermis protects against solar ultraviolet radiation, mechanical damage, chemical burns. Dead cells reduce a person’s sensitivity to temperature and pain, and ensure the maintenance of body homeostasis. The outer layer of the skin consists of keratinocytes, which, when dividing, rise from the lower layers upwards, renewing the protection. The process is long, a full cycle takes up to 2 months. When it is violated, hyperkeratosis occurs, the cause of which is strong friction and pressure of the shoes when walking.

Calluses are compressed keratinized cells that fall off in a healthy body and exfoliate naturally. Hyperkeratosis occurs at points that experience increased pressure. So the body protects the nerve endings and blood vessels. Calluses do not pose a threat to the body, but cause discomfort and pain. Dry corns of large sizes do not allow you to wear old shoes comfortably, and when trying on new shoes or shoes, they can cause pain.

Statistics

Calluses can appear in a person at any age. Most often, men aged 50-60 and women aged 60-70 seek help. This is due to morphological changes in the skin: there are fewer keratinocytes, and the subcutaneous layer is thinner. The epidermis becomes more rigid over the years, which becomes one of the factors for the intensive development of corns. The risk of hyperkeratosis increases in people with diabetes mellitus and with an age-related decrease in the longitudinal arch of the foot.

The statistics of the disease in the elderly indicates that women are more likely to seek help. Calluses occur in 46% of men over 60 and in 66% of women, despite the fact that the elasticity of the skin is better in the fair half of humanity. This is due to the fact that women prefer to wear beautiful, but not always comfortable shoes.

Body weight, according to statistics, is not an important factor in the appearance of dry corns. This is due to the fact that in people with increased weight, the excess load is distributed not only on the longitudinal arch, but also on the metatarsophalangeal joints. Actively developing corns in professional athletes in those sports that are characterized by a constantly high load on the foot. Athletes, weightlifters, powerlifters are at risk.

Hyperkeratosis does not lead to serious diseases, does not interfere with the performance of tasks at work, if they are not associated with active walking. Calluses do not interfere with driving a car, communicating with clients or colleagues.

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Causes of occurrence

Causes of formation corns can be associated with the processes taking place in the body, or with external conditions.

1. Dry calluses on the bottom of the foot appear when wearing uncomfortable, narrow shoes. The following factors contribute to the development of hyperkeratosis:

• circulatory disorders of the foot, including capillary blood flow;

• excessive sweating of the legs;

• damage to the tissue of the foot;

• violation of skin trophism in diabetes mellitus, obliterating atherosclerosis;

• fungal infections of the skin;

• beriberi.

2. The cause of hyperkeratosis can be constant physical activity – long tourist crossings, active walking at work or in everyday life.

3. Some diseases of the musculoskeletal system provoke an uneven load on the feet. For example, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, flat feet, arthrosis of the hip or knee joints, the consequences of a fracture of the femoral neck or amputation of a part of a limb. As a result, a person takes a forced position, sparing, more comfortable, more stable, begins to unnecessarily lean on certain areas of the foot, and corns form there.

4. Psychological problems can also affect the appearance of calluses. Hardened, ossified thought patterns, stubborn memories of past pain, fixation on previous negative experiences, fear of the future, fear of failure lead to the fact that a person restrains his natural impulses and is too demanding on himself.

Symptoms of corns

The first symptoms of dry calluses are swelling of the affected area of ​​the skin and redness (hyperemia). In some cases, this stage is either very short or completely absent. The main symptoms of corns:

• skin changes its structure, becomes rough;

• the affected area acquires a yellow, whitish or gray tint;

• in the place of formation of dry corns sensitivity to pain decreases;

• when walking in shoes, the affected area hurts.

The corns do not have strictly defined boundaries, the shape of the corn can be flat or convex.

When detailing the symptoms, the following types of corns are distinguished:

• rod – the outgrowth is formed on the leg, extending deep into the skin. The corn resembles a mushroom in structure with a characteristic yellow cap. The reason for the appearance of the rod is a mechanical lesion, a viral disease;

• plantar – have a large area, are located in the forefoot and in the heel area. They don’t hurt when walking. If left untreated, deep cracks appear, with pressure on which acute pain occurs;

• finger – formed on the sole of the fingers, the thumb and little finger are more often affected.

The appearance of corns when using narrow, uncomfortable shoes is a matter of time. If you use comfortable shoes, boots and sandals, lead a healthy lifestyle and monitor your well-being, then the formation of dry calluses on the foot is a rarity.

Dehydrated dry skin

Pain when walking

Which doctor treats

Treatment of hyperkeratosis is done by a podiatrist. This is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of dermatological and orthopedic diseases of the feet. The doctor is well acquainted with such branches as endocrinology, traumatology, surgery and phlebology. Extensive knowledge helps the specialist not only make a diagnosis, but also understand the causes that caused the disease.

A podologist is a highly specialized doctor, which is not available in all polyclinics. In the absence of a doctor with such a specialization, it is recommended to contact a dermatologist who treats skin diseases. If it is not possible to get to these doctors, then the therapist can give all the primary information on how to cope with the problem.

Before visiting a podiatrist, it is recommended to take hygiene procedures, wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes that can be easily removed. During a visit to the treatment room, the doctor will conduct a survey, perform a visual examination, and examine the problem area.

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Diagnosis of corns

The doctor starts the diagnosis of the disease with a survey, during the conversation with the patient, the podiatrist clarifies:

• the time during which the patient has problems with corns;

• nature of pain and location;

• presence of chronic diseases;

• operating mode;

• degree of physical activity;

• profession, occupation.

After taking an anamnesis, the doctor performs a visual examination of the foot. It studies the deformation of the skin, foot, fingers, changes in gait. The method of palpation examines damaged and healthy areas of the skin of the foot. Checks the blood supply. Evaluates the condition of the shoe: checks for displacement and wear of the sole. A special device, a podoscope, helps the doctor to see the deformities of the footprint. If necessary, the podiatrist measures the length of the foot. Complicated cases require analysis of skin scrapings and computed tomography of tissues. In case of foot injuries that caused the appearance of corns, an x-ray is performed.

Treatment of corns

If the cause of hyperkeratosis is wearing uncomfortable shoes or excessive walking, then you should reconsider your attitude to fashion trends and choose more suitable shoes, reduce walking load.

The following procedures are used for treatment:

• warm bath and pumice treatment;

• application of moisturizing cream or glycerin to affected skin;

• foot wraps or masks with creams, salicylic acid ointments, urea or ammonium lactate;

• compresses with vinegar or vegetable oil.

It is better to entrust the treatment of keratinized skin to a doctor. In advanced cases, at least 2-3 visits to the podiatrist will be required.

To increase the effectiveness of the trays, use:

• calendula – a plant that has an antiseptic effect, relieves inflammation well;

• nettle – increases the concentration of carotene, potassium, ascorbic acid, accelerates skin regeneration processes, improves blood circulation;

• soda and sea salt – make the skin soft;

• chamomile – has antiseptic and analgesic properties, improves skin elasticity;

• oak bark and sage – reduce sweating, eliminate fungus and bacteria.

An alternative to baths are pedicure socks for the treatment of corns.

Therapeutic treatments treat 90-95% of corns.

If conservative methods do not help, and the pain syndrome intensifies, the calluses are removed surgically. Good results are obtained by laser treatment of corns, in which keratinized cells are exposed to thermal effects for 5-10 minutes. The procedure is painless, if necessary, the surgeon uses local anesthesia. You can also remove the corn with a radio wave non-contact incision. For the treatment of corns, you do not need to go to the hospital, usually such procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.

Careful attention should be paid to the dosage of medicinal preparations. With an excess amount of ointments on the skin, a rash may appear, itching or burning. Before use, check the absence of allergic reactions to salicylic acid, urea. After surgery, it is necessary to use antiseptic dressings and not visit pools, saunas or baths until the wound is completely healed. Otherwise, infection may begin.

If the cause of corns is a deformation of the musculoskeletal system, then the underlying disease should be treated and physical therapy and correction of posture and walking style should be actively applied. For example, a smooth roll when walking from heel to toe and increased raising of the fingers at the same time distributes the load more evenly and trains the muscles of the foot.

Given the psychosomatic causes of the formation of calluses, it is possible to recommend the patient to work in parallel with a psychologist or psychotherapist in order to establish the true causes of the disease, which lie on the emotional and mental level.

If left untreated

If left untreated, corns can thicken, and pain is bound to appear when walking. This will reduce physical activity, at work productivity will fall. When cracks appear, infectious agents can penetrate the skin. The development of inflammatory processes can cause hospitalization and surgical intervention.

Prevention is essential to avoid complications. For this you need:

• make softening baths;

• carefully used pumice stone;

• make antiseptic compresses with chamomile, calendula, oak bark.

Calluses should not be attempted to be removed with a knife.

Dry calluses can be relieved by changing shoes. Convenient, comfortable shoes and boots will help create the conditions under which corns will stop forming. Formations and discomfort will disappear gradually, in 2-3 months, without human intervention, due to the absence of external factors that led to the formation of dry corns. If after changing shoes there are no changes for the better, the pain intensifies, cracks appear in the corns, then you should urgently consult a doctor.

If you cannot get to a podiatrist or a polyclinic, you can use an online consultation. The Internet opens up access to narrow specialists, doctors with extensive experience. During an online consultation, the doctor will find out the causes of the formation of corns, assess their condition using video communication, and prescribe treatment. You can discuss treatment options with your doctor if you have limited access to medicines. The experience of the doctor will help the patient to cope with the problem on their own.

How to help yourself

If foot pain and roughness of the skin appear, it is necessary to check that the corns are the cause of these symptoms. This will help independent visual inspection and probing. After making sure that the pain is caused by corns, you need to consider the reasons for their appearance.

Most often these are uncomfortable shoes, high physical activity, flat feet or joint diseases, and psychological blocks cannot be ruled out.

It is necessary to replace shoes with more comfortable and comfortable shoes, stop wearing thin synthetic socks. If you have flat feet, you need to choose the right orthopedic shoes.

If you have problems with your spine and joints, you should reduce the amount of salt and sugar in your diet, give up alcohol and fried foods. It is necessary to increase the amount of vitamins, protein and collagen in the meals consumed. And also start daily doing a series of exercises to treat the corresponding pathology, monitor your posture.

At the same time, you need to sort out your own worldview. Stop endlessly remembering past painful situations and thereby blocking new paths. It is necessary to allow yourself to do what you want to do in full force, to stop holding back spiritual impulses. Try to forgive and let go of the pain caused in the past, regain the joy of life and enjoy freedom.

Risks

It is impossible to get infected and infect with corns, the problem appears due to lifestyle and the wrong choice of shoes. If left untreated, labor productivity will decrease, and there may be a risk of secondary skin infection. This may cause a longer treatment, increase the likelihood of surgery.

At risk for corns are:

• staff who spend the entire working day on their feet;

• athletes, ballerinas, dancers;

• patients with flat feet and diabetes mellitus;

• military;

• tourists.

Increased likelihood of calluses in fashion aficionados and overweight people.

Prevention of corns

The main method of prevention is to purchase comfortable shoes. You can not sacrifice comfort and health for the sake of fashion. Do not abuse the wearing of shoes with high heels, models with a narrow block, narrowed toe. Shoes should be with arch support, insoles – soft, made of natural materials. For high constant loads, it is recommended to use orthopedic inlays made of felt or silicone.

People who spend a lot of time on their feet and play sports professionally should visit a pedicurist regularly. Every week it is worth doing baths with plant extracts and foot massage. Once a year, it is recommended to visit an orthopedist, who will help identify flat feet at an early stage of development. For people at risk, visiting this doctor on a regular basis is a must.

The following preventive measures are required in risk groups:

• personnel of enterprises – it is necessary to agree with the management on mandatory breaks for regular rest, use orthopedic inlays for shoes, after work it is imperative to take a foot bath;

• athletes, ballerinas, dancers – it is recommended to change the intensity of training, use more auxiliary exercises;

• 90,002 patients with flat feet and diabetes mellitus – closely monitor their health, follow the doctor’s recommendations for the treatment of the underlying disease, regularly conduct an independent examination;

• for the military – carefully consider the choice of shoes for training on the parade ground, forced marches, regularly undergo foot inspection;

• tourists – it is necessary to go on a hike in properly selected shoes, which are recommended to be broken in first.