The visual benefits of soft, smooth feet extend beyond vanity to include relief from the pain and suffering caused by calluses and corns. Common foot problems like calluses and corns develop from prolonged contact with abrasive surfaces.
Calluses
A callus is an area on the topmost layer of skin, the stratum corneum or stratum corneum, that becomes abnormally thick and forms a protective layer in response to repeated rubbing.
Calluses can form anywhere on the body, but they usually develop over the bones of the hands, feet, or elbows, or in other areas that are repeatedly used or abused, like a violinist's jaw.
Corns
A corn is a thickened, grain-like area of keratin that forms on the feet.
Hard corns appear on the joints of the toes. Corns between the toes are usually soft. Unlike most calluses, corns can be painful because the thickened skin transfers pressure to the bone underneath.
Avoidance is Key!
Corns and calluses are far simpler to avoid than they are to treat once they have formed. You can prevent calluses from forming on your skin by eliminating the irritant that is causing them or, if this is not possible, by protecting your skin with a glove, pad, or another type of protective device. Pads and rings in appropriate sizes can be purchased at most local pharmacies. Calluses may disappear when comfortable footwear is worn, as this is the factor that most commonly leads to the formation of calluses in the first place. Using drugs that dissolve the cornea may allow for a more expedient treatment of calluses.
What to do?
- Put on Adequate Footwear
Calluses and corns can easily be avoided by always donning the appropriate footwear. Always wear shoes that fit properly and give your toes plenty of room to wiggle around. Avoid wearing shoes that put undue stress on the ball of your foot and toes, such as high heels or shoes with a limited toe box.
- Moisturize your skin!
Calluses and corns can be avoided if your feet are kept moist. Foot friction can be reduced by using a moisturizer to soften the skin. To maintain soft, supple feet, use a high-quality foot cream or lotion every day.
- Frequent Exfoliation
Calluses and corns can be avoided with frequent exfoliation to remove dead skin. Dead skin and calluses can be easily scrubbed away with a foot scrub or a pumice stone. The skin on your feet is more easily torn and damaged when it is damp, so execute this step only when your feet are dry.
- Never Go Barefoot
Barefoot walking increases the risk of developing calluses and corns due to the increased pressure and friction on the feet. Do not go about barefoot, especially on cold or hard surfaces like tile or concrete. Put on a pair of comfortable and supportive shoes or slippers.
- Make Use of Cushioning
The pain and discomfort caused by a callus or corn can be alleviated by using cushioning to cushion the region. You can put a pad or cushion over the callus or corn for comfort and support; options include silicone and foam pads.
- Corns and calluses require proper care.
Proper care of a callus or corn is necessary to prevent additional harm. Never cut or scrape at a callus or corn, as this can lead to infection and further harm. To soften the skin and minimize the thickness of the callus or corn, you should see a podiatrist or utilize over-the-counter therapies, such as salicylic acid or urea-based lotions.
- See a podiatrist.
Consult a podiatrist if painful calluses or corns on your feet refuse to go away on your own. A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in foot and ankle care. They may also suggest specialized footwear or custom orthotics to help ease the strain on your feet.