Calluses and corns
Rough areas most often appear on the feet - where the skin is subject to increased friction or pressure. Calluses and corns appear in these places. How do they differ from each other, how to deal with them and is it possible to avoid the occurrence of these unpleasant phenomena? Let's find out in our article.
Types of calluses
Causes of calluses
How to deal with the problem of calluses and corns
Removing dry calluses and corns
Therapy for wet calluses
Treatment of core calluses
Hardware pedicure
Liquid nitrogen and laser removal
Home care after callus removal
Preventive measures
Types of calluses
A corn is a superficial roughening of the skin in the area of the foot. It is usually not accompanied by severe pain, but may cause discomfort when walking. The corns have unclear boundaries and a flat shape. The skin in the area of the defect becomes yellowish, dry and prone to cracks.
A callus is a deeper formation that can appear not only on the foot. In the area of the callus you can often find its center - a rounded area located deep in the epidermis or on its surface. The skin in the area of the callus may change color, pain and discomfort may appear when touched. Calluses always form due to friction and excessive pressure.
There are several types of calluses:
Dry. The skin in the area of the formation thickens and acquires a yellowish tint. The epidermis becomes dense and hard to the touch. Dry calluses have a deeper structure. They can appear on their own, or they can be the result of untreated wet callus. Dry callus causes discomfort when walking or putting on shoes. There is a burning sensation and pain in the area of the formation.
Wet. Accompanied by the appearance of a bubble filled with liquid. The contents may be colorless, yellowish or reddish. Red color indicates damage to blood vessels - such calluses are called blood calluses. Typically, wet formations are located in the upper layer of the epidermis. They cause acute pain when touched and require immediate action. Without treatment, a wet callus can become infected or transform into a deep dry callus.
Rod. This is a type of dry callus that has a hard core that goes deep into the tissue. When pressed, it causes a sharp stabbing pain, comparable to a prick with a sharp object. A callus prevents you from leading a normal lifestyle, but it is very difficult to get rid of it on your own. Professional diagnosis is important here, since such a formation is often confused with a plantar wart or ineffective therapy is used, wasting precious time.
Neurofibrous. These calluses have a large area and most often form in the middle part of the foot. The formations do not have a core, but occupy the deep layers of the skin and cause severe pain. Discomfort is felt whenever you step on your foot. Often this type of callus is confused with corns and is not given any importance until severe pain occurs.
Interdigital. These calluses are also called “kissing” calluses because they occur on two surfaces that touch. The formations appear when the toes are closely pressed against neighboring ones or even overlap each other. This occurs due to wearing tight shoes, excessive sweating of the feet, as well as human anatomical features. When treating interdigital calluses, it is especially important to find out the cause of its formation. If the provoking factor is associated with orthopedic problems, an orthopedist or traumatologist is involved in therapy.
Causes of calluses
The main reason for keratinization of the skin is increased friction or pressure on its surface.
According to statistics, calluses and corns most often appear in women. This is due to the fact that representatives of the fair sex often wear narrow shoes with heels and endure discomfort for the sake of beauty.
Not everyone finds wearing uncomfortable shoes instantly causing calluses or corns. There are provoking factors that increase this risk:
hyperhidrosis (sweating) of the feet;
excess weight;
standing work;
orthopedic pathologies (flat feet, changes in the shape of fingers or feet, etc.)
age over 65 years;
dry skin of the feet;
walking barefoot;
some sports;
gait features;
chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, vascular pathologies, thrombosis, etc.);
Unhealthy Lifestyle.
How to deal with the problem of calluses and corns
Usually people are in no hurry to contact a specialist to get rid of this defect. To begin with, home methods are used. This is the wrong approach. Unprofessional actions (grinding, filing, cutting, etc.) with calluses can lead to the development of complications. An infection can get into the wound and an inflammatory process may occur.
The simplest and most effective thing you can do on your own is to eliminate the factor that led to the appearance of the callus. If the reason is shoes, give up an uncomfortable pair at least for a while, or better yet, forever. If you have orthopedic problems, you should visit an orthopedic doctor or traumatologist. When there are symptoms of hyperhidrosis, it is necessary to combat this pathology.
Only by eliminating the cause of the callus can you get rid of the defect for a long time. If the provoking factor is eliminated, then small corns and rough areas will recover on their own. More complex calluses are best treated using professional methods.
Removing dry calluses and corns
An experienced pedicurist or podiatrist will help you cope with the problem. A specialist will help identify the cause of the formation of corns and calluses and recommend treatment methods.
One of the most effective methods is a medical pedicure in a podiatrist’s office. Usually the procedure is carried out using a hardware method. Pay attention to the sterility of the instruments used.
Stages of hardware callus removal:
antiseptic treatment of feet;
the use of products that soften rough skin;
removal of the stratum corneum of the skin using a special cutter;
application of healing and medicinal compounds.
To remove extensive corns and calluses, you will have to sign up for several hardware pedicure procedures, since removal the first time can lead to worsening. The skin will remain unprotected and cracks will appear. In between procedures, it is recommended to use special care products.
ROSILAK cosmeceuticals for calluses and corns
It is important to understand that a good specialist will identify the cause and tell you what needs to be done to prevent calluses and corns from returning. If the cause is not eliminated, treatment in a podiatrist’s office will not help.
Key recommendations include:
change of shoes;
contacting an orthopedist for custom insoles;
wearing interdigital separators.
Therapy for wet calluses
A damp or wet callus may not have a rough texture. Its main feature is a vial of clear liquid at the site where the skin is rubbed.
The first step in treating wet calluses is to never open the bottle yourself. This procedure can only be performed by a specialist under sterile conditions in compliance with all safety rules. As a rule, successful treatment of a wet callus does not necessarily require puncture of its surface.
At home, you need to treat the area of the vesicle with an antiseptic and cover it with a bandage. It is advisable to place a soft bandage to protect the callus from opening. The bubble will gradually resolve on its own. If it bursts, the wound must be treated. Do not cut off the peeled skin under any circumstances. You can apply terra powder to the area. Then cover the wound with a bandage.
Important! If the blister does not disappear within several weeks, or after opening it there are signs of infection of the wound, consult a doctor. Without qualified help, complications may arise. It will take much longer to treat such a callus.
Treatment of core calluses
Getting rid of this type of formation is more difficult than getting rid of a regular callus. The rod can go into the deeper layers of the skin, and it can be difficult to remove it completely. However, if this is not done, the callus will cause pain and discomfort. Therefore, it is so important to seek the services of specialists when the very first signs of pathology develop. The “fresher” the callus, the shorter its core. Such formations are removed faster and easier.
Let's look at the most common methods of treating core calluses.
Hardware pedicure
During the procedure, the podiatrist processes the cap of the callus, removing the upper keratinized layers. Then special attachments are used to remove the rod. The specialist carefully moves into the deeper layers, slowly grinding away the central part of the callus. At the end of the work, a clean hole will remain in the area of the defect, which will gradually be covered with healthy tissue; Helper cream mask will help speed up this process.
Hardware removal of the formation usually does not cause discomfort, but for very deep core calluses, several procedures are necessary. After removing the defect, care for the remaining depression is necessary to avoid infection in the wound.
Liquid nitrogen and laser removal
This procedure is called cryodestruction or, more simply, freezing. The method is painful and traumatic, as a wound process is formed. We recommend avoiding these methods of removing calluses. There is a very high risk of scar formation, which will cause discomfort in the future.
Home care after callus removal
The final result depends on the correct rehabilitation process. Follow your doctor's recommendations and follow these simple rules:
If there are wounds left after the procedure, treat them with antiseptic agents. After removing the callus with a laser, liquid nitrogen or electric current, do not remove the resulting crust. It closes the wound and prevents it from becoming infected. Allow the tissues to recover and the crust to fall off on its own. This minimizes the risk of scarring and the development of unpleasant complications.
Relieve the problem area of the foot. Use shoes that do not put pressure on your feet. If necessary, use special inserts, insoles and pads to avoid injury to this area.
Use high-quality cosmeceuticals in your daily care, which accelerates the process of epidermal restoration. Regular hygiene procedures and the use of special compositions will allow you to forget about the problem of calluses and corns for a long time.
When treating calluses, podologists recommend using the Helper mask in home care. It includes an active complex of components that provide intensive care for dry and rough skin: carotene pine complex, bisabolol, shea butter, sage and eucalyptus. The product actively softens the skin, has an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect. The mask is used 2-3 times a week.
Regenerator Cream is ideal for daily use. It contains a high concentration of natural extracts and oils that help restore the epidermis. The light but rich texture is easy to use and provides deep hydration to the skin of the feet.
It is easier to prevent any problem than to solve it. Calluses and corns are no exception.
Be careful when choosing shoes. Avoid pairs with an uncomfortable last, rough seams, or narrow toes. Sometimes even the most comfortable shoes at first glance can rub your feet on your first walk. When purchasing any shoes, take out the insole, stand on it and check that your foot fits completely on its surface. Those areas where the foot extends beyond the insole will be at risk of developing calluses and corns.
Don't put on new sandals and immediately go hiking. Wear your newly purchased pair over shorter distances and make sure they are truly comfortable. In any case, you should always have a patch with you.
Clean your feet every day. For gentle, effective care, we recommend FLUIDE ACTIVE foam with silver ions. It gently cleanses the epidermis, restoring the hydrolipidic barrier, making the skin elastic and moisturized. This is an excellent prevention of dry calluses and chafing.
Don't ignore the signs of hyperhidrosis. Excessive foot sweating increases the risk of skin chafing and calluses. We recommend using Comfort powder powder. It effectively deodorizes and heals the skin by absorbing excess moisture. The powder helps relieve the symptoms of hyperhidrosis and is recommended for daily home foot care.
We recommend adding regular medical pedicure treatments to your schedule. An experienced podologist will detect signs of an emerging problem in time. Getting rid of corns at the first stage is much easier than treating an advanced callus. Take good care of your feet, and your feet will be healthy and beautiful at any time of the year.
