Callus and callus are an area of dead skin, thickened and hardened by friction and irritation. Calluses typically form on the sides and top of the toes and are quite painful. Calluses, on the other hand, develop on the soles or sides of the feet, are unsightly and can create a bit of discomfort, but they hardly hurt; sometimes they can also form on the hands. It is possible to treat both thickenings at home, but if they are very painful, persistent or if you suffer from some underlying condition (for example diabetes) then you need to see a doctor.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating Corns and Corns at Home
Step 1. Distinguish a callus from a callus
Although both are areas of thickened skin, they are not actually the same and therefore need to be treated differently.
- Callus develops between the toes, has a hard core, and can be painful. It can also form over the fingers, often right at the knuckles.
- Calluses are divided into hard, soft and periungual. A hard callus typically develops on the top of the toes and at a joint. Soft ones form between the toes, usually between the fourth and fifth toes. Periungual corns are the least common and appear along the edge of the nail bed.
- A nucleus does not always form, but if it is present it usually develops in the center of the callus and is composed of thickened and dense skin tissue.
- The core of the callus points inward into the skin and frequently presses on the bone or nerve, causing a lot of pain.
- The callus has no core and is made up of a larger area of well-distributed hardened tissue. It does not cause pain, although it can be annoying.
- Calluses are found on the soles of the feet, just below the toe area. They can also form on the hands, usually on the edge of the palm and between the fingers.
- Both thickenings are caused by friction and pressure.
Step 2. Try over-the-counter remedies
Salicylic acid is the most widely used active ingredient in non-prescription hyperkeratosis products.
- These remedies are useful for getting rid of corns and calluses, but are most effective when used in conjunction with other skin care practices.
- Take immediate action to cure the problem, but try to eliminate the cause of the friction and pressure on the area as well.
Step 3. Apply salicylic acid patches to the callus
These products are available with a maximum concentration of active ingredient of 40%.
- Soak your foot in hot water for about 5 minutes to soften the tissues. Dry your foot and toes carefully before applying the patch.
- Be careful not to place the patch on healthy skin.
- In most cases, you will need to repeat the procedure every 48-72 hours for 14 days or until the callus is removed.
- Salicylic acid is considered a keratolytic. This means that it is able to increase the hydration of the treated area by softening and dissolving the thickened skin layer. However, it is harmful to healthy skin.
- Strictly follow the instructions on the leaflet or those on the package and do not use this type of patch if you are allergic to products with salicylic acid.
- Avoid contact with eyes, nose or mouth and do not use them elsewhere on the body without first receiving instructions from your doctor.
- Immediately rinse any parts of your body that accidentally came into contact with salicylic acid with water.
- Safely store all products that contain this active ingredient, so that they remain out of the reach of pets and children.
Step 4. Use salicylic acid for calluses
This product is available in various forms and concentrations. You can purchase foams, lotions, gels, and patches that help remove hardened areas on your feet.
Each remedy has its own specific methods of application. Follow the instructions on the package or on the leaflet to use it effectively against calluses
Step 5. Try topical products with 45% urea
There are other over-the-counter treatments, besides salicylic acid, which are just as helpful.
- Those that contain 45% urea are used as topical keratolytics and work by softening and removing excess tissue, including corns and calluses.
- Strictly follow the instructions on the package or on the information leaflet.
- 45% urea products are generally applied twice a day, until the ailment is eliminated.
- Never ingest this medicine and avoid contact with nose, eyes and mouth.
- Keep it out of the reach of children and animals.
- In case of accidental ingestion, call 911, the nearest poison control center or go to the emergency room as quickly as possible.
Step 6. Use the pumice stone
You can treat areas covered with calluses with pumice stone or a specific foot file. This way you can get rid of skin thickening.
- This remedy is very useful for unsightly calluses found on the hands.
- Tools like pumice stone or file mechanically remove layers of dead skin, but be careful not to scratch healthy skin. Otherwise you would create more irritation and even an infection if the skin were cut.
- Smooth a few layers of thickened fabric before applying the medication.
Step 7. Soak your feet
A hot water footbath softens areas of thickened skin, whether it's corns or calluses.
- If you have calluses on your hands, you can soak them in water, just like you would with your feet.
- Thoroughly dry your feet or hands after soaking. While the skin is still soft, use the pumice stone or file to remove layers of hyperkeratosis.
- Even if you don't have time to take a foot bath or soak your hands every day, you can use the pumice stone or file right after a shower or bath.
Step 8. Keep your skin hydrated
Spread a cream on your feet and hands to soften the tissues.
This will make it easier to remove hardened areas with a pumice stone or file and at the same time prevent the formation of calluses and calluses
Part 2 of 3: See a Doctor
Step 1. Seek your doctor's help to treat your ailment
If you are diabetic, you run a serious risk of foot problems, partly caused by circulatory changes in the extremities.
Pathologies such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and other diseases that alter normal blood circulation justify the intervention of a doctor for the treatment of corns and calluses. Before proceeding with home care, ask your doctor for advice
Step 2. Contact your podiatrist for suggestions if the thickened areas are very large and painful
Although corns and calluses are not an emergency, they are sometimes very large and cause severe suffering.
- Asking your doctor for help is the safest and most effective way to treat hyperkeratosis.
- Some corns and calluses do not respond adequately to over-the-counter remedies. In this case, you must ask the podiatrist to prescribe stronger medications or to undergo specific procedures.
- Your doctor will most likely perform outpatient treatment to improve your situation.
- He might use a scalpel or other instrument available in the office and physically remove any areas covered with excess hardened skin.
- Do not try to remove very thick skin at home; you could irritate the tissues even more, cause bleeding and even an infection.
Step 3. Check for warts
In addition to corns and calluses, warts can sometimes be present in your hyperkeratosis problem.
Your doctor will be able to assess whether there are warts or other skin conditions in addition to these skin thickenings and will advise you on the appropriate treatment
Step 4. Check for signs of infection
Although rarely, corns and calluses can sometimes become infected.
See your doctor as soon as possible if you notice areas of your feet or hands that are red, swollen, warm to the touch, or more painful than usual
Step 5. Assess any foot conditions that are causing misalignment
Some individuals suffer from foot deformities, which lead to continual problems, including recurring corns and calluses.
- Your primary care physician may recommend that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment. Some diseases contribute to the formation of corns and calluses; among these we remember the hammer toe, bone spurs, basically flat arches and hallux valgus.
- Many of these conditions can be treated by wearing orthotics or orthopedic shoes.
- In rare cases, surgery is used.
Step 6. Look for complications on the hands
When calluses develop due to friction or pressure on the hands, the skin can break with a consequent risk of infection.
- Sometimes you may notice the presence of blisters right under or near the callus. When this happens, the fluid that fills the bubble is naturally reabsorbed by the skin over time. If the bladder ruptures and the fluid leaks, it is not difficult for the surrounding tissues, including the callus, to become infected.
- See your doctor if you notice the area is red, swollen, or hot to the touch.
- If you have an infection, you will be prescribed topical or systemic antibiotics.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Relapses
Step 1. Eliminate the cause of the friction
Corns and calluses usually develop on the feet as a response of the skin to continual irritation, pressure or friction in the same spot.
If you can get rid of what creates this mechanical action, then you can prevent them from forming
Step 2. Wear shoes that fit your feet perfectly
This means that the toes must not rub on the upper and the foot must not slip inside the shoe.
- Make sure there is enough space at the tip to be able to move your fingers.
- Calluses form on the top and sides of the toes and can be caused by footwear that is too tight.
- Continued friction or irritation from unsuitable shoes is the main cause of these ailments.
- Tight shoes and those with high heels that slide the foot forward promote the formation of hyperkeratosis.
- Calluses arise when the sole or edge of the foot slips against the inner walls of the shoe and becomes irritated or when the foot moves excessively because the shoes are too big.
Step 3. Put on your socks
The absence of this item of underwear increases the friction and pressure between the skin of the feet and the upper.
- Always wear socks to avoid friction and direct compression on the skin of the foot. This is especially important when you wear shoes specifically designed to be used with socks, such as tennis, work socks and boots.
- Check that the socks are the right size for your feet. If they are too tight they press on the skin causing more pressure and friction. Socks that are too loose, on the other hand, allow the foot to slide excessively when it is in the shoe, thus increasing friction.
Step 4. Use protections
Put patches on areas prone to calluses, between the toes or where you usually notice calluses.
Using patches, lambswool bits or toe separators can reduce the friction and pressure on the toes and foot right where hyperkeratosis occurs
Step 5. Put on gloves
Calluses form on areas of the hands that are subjected to great friction.
- In many cases, calluses on the hands are welcome. A typical example is that of musicians; guitarists are very happy when they are formed on the fingertips, because they allow them to play without feeling pain.
- Another typical case is that of weightlifters. The calluses that develop on their hands allow for a more secure grip of the bar that is used in this sport.
