Calluses typically develop in areas of the skin that are subject to repeated friction or rubbing. They are thickenings of the skin that can form anywhere on the body, although they normally appear on the feet, hands, or fingers. The most common cause is shoes that don't fit properly on the feet.
What are Calluses?
Calluses tend to be small and round in shape. They are most likely to appear on the ends or sides of the toes as well as hands. There are several types of calluses: Hard calluses, which appear on bony prominences, especially on the toes and plantar surface. Soft calluses, which are whitish/gray, and have a softer and more rubbery consistency, are located in the interdigital spaces.
People who work standing or who engage in an intense sporting activity are more likely to get calluses on hands and feet. Therefore callus hand care is necessary to prevent yourself from infection.
What are Corns?
Calluses are hard, thick areas of skin. Compared to calluses, corns are smaller and have a regular shape.
Corns and calluses are usually found in the lower part of the foot, on the bony areas on which the weight is most loaded: heel, big toe, the sole of the foot, and the side of the foot. However, some degree of callus formation on the bottom of the foot is normal.
Calluses are often found on the hands. They form if there is repeated pressure or friction, such as on the hands of gymnasts, fingertips of guitarists, weightlifters, or craftsmen. Calluses form on the weight-bearing areas of the bottom of the feet as well as hands.
How are Calluses formed?
Calluses develop as a result of repeated friction, rubbing or irritation, and pressure on the skin, usually on bony or prominent areas of the feet. On the hands, calluses are formed (more likely) on the areas subject to rubbing.
Calluses occurrence is our body's way of protecting our hands or feet underlying skin from pressure as well as infection. You are more likely to develop calluses if:
- You walk without socks.
- Shoes that are too tight are worn.
- You use the wrong technique while workout.
- Excessive workout or sports activities.
Are Calluses painful?
They can be more or less painful. Some calluses may not be painful when they first develop but become painful over time as they thicken. Affected areas of skin, particularly from calluses, can also be inflamed and sensitive to touch or pressure and be painful.
Calluses tend to be less sensitive to touch than the normal surrounding skin. If callus becomes infected, it is likely to cause pain or at least discomfort.
Possible Complications of Calluses
If left untreated (or unsuccessfully treated) and continuously subjected to the action that caused its initial development, calluses and callus eyes will tend to increase in size.
Calluses can become infected. In this case, it may be painful or impossible to walk, and therefore medical or even surgical treatment may be required.
How can Calluses be treated?
The treatment depends on the symptoms. Typically the first approach involves removing the skin buildup. Treatment by the podiatrist typically involves first immersing the area in hot water until the skin softens and then removing dead skin with a callus performance remover tool, being careful not to touch the underlying healthy tissue.
The daily application of moisturizing cream or lotion such as callus performance healing salve that contains Organic Geranium, Organic Tea Tree, or Almond Oil is generally recommended. These ingredients will in fact soften the skin over time. It will protect the skin from irritation and relieves pain and pressure.
Additional care tips include:
- Wear shoes of appropriate size and shape, which give greater width and height in the toe area.
- Keep your toenails trimmed. Long toenails can push the toes against the shoe top causing friction and pressure. Nails should always be cut straight and not rounded at the corners so that they can protect skin from corners.
- You should never clip, shave off, or remove corns or calluses with a sharp object. Instead of these, use the callus performance remover tool to remove the callused skin efficiently and safely.
Final Words
Calluses usually occur on hands and feet in form of raised and hard skin from repeated friction and rubbing. It is necessary to treat calluses to prevent yourself from infection.
Most importantly, diabetes sufferers should always and only be treated by a podiatrist. Poor circulation, predisposition to infections, and delicate skin are important predisposing factors to complications in the treatment of calluses which should therefore only be performed by a specialized professional.