Calluses are areas of hardened skin that usually form at points on the body that support weights. Most calluses are found on the feet and form because you are wearing shoes that don't fit well or because you don't wear socks. The pressure exerted by unsuitable shoes and the friction created by the absence of socks can lead to corns and calluses. The most common cause of calluses on the hands is the use of tools such as a musical instrument or even a simple pen, which apply some pressure and friction to the skin. Corns in healthy people can usually be treated at home using methods to soften the skin and scrape the thickened area.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Calluses
Step 1. Learn to recognize corns by their appearance
Callus is a small spot of thickened and hardened skin due to pressure or friction exerted by other elements. Most often it forms under the soles of the feet or on the hands or fingers.
Calluses are not contagious, but they can be uncomfortable if they get very large
Step 2. Recognize the difference between a callus and a callus
These terms are often used interchangeably, but although they have similar aspects, they actually have some differences. Technically, a callus is an area of hardened skin near a bone and is typically found on or between the toes. Calluses are not directly related to bony areas and usually form in parts of the body that support weights.
- Both corns and calluses are caused by friction, for example when the feet rub against shoes or the toes rub against each other.
- Another aspect that differentiates them is that the callus is a completely thickened part of skin, while the callus has a hard central area surrounded by red and inflamed tissue.
- Callus is usually painful, while callus rarely causes pain.
Step 3. If the callus hurts you, go to the doctor
If it starts to become infected, inflamed, or painful, you need to see your doctor so that he can prescribe treatment.
Part 2 of 4: Soften the Skin
Step 1. Immerse the calluses in warm water
One of the simplest things you can do is just soak your foot in hot water. Take a medium-sized tub and fill it with hot water about 45 ° C and, sitting on a chair or stool, soak your foot for 15-20 minutes while relaxing and reading a book.
- Add Epsom salts if you want to soften the skin further. Add about 100g of Epsom salts to every 4 liters of water for best results. Leave the affected area immersed for 10-20 minutes.
- At the end of this sort of "wellness treatment" for the feet, you will notice that the calluses have become softer. After repeating the procedure for several days, they will become mushy enough that you can easily scrape them with your hands.
Step 2. Massage the calluses with castor oil
This treatment helps soften the skin and promotes the growth of new skin layers. Apply the oil by massaging it all over the thickened area. Then cover your foot or hand with a cotton sock or glove. Castor oil can stain clothing, so choose a fabric that you can get dirty without a problem. It is better to use a cotton garment, because it is a natural fiber that absorbs oil, but at the same time keeps it in contact with the skin. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3. Cover the corn with vitamin E
Take a tablet of this vitamin containing 400 IU and pierce it with a needle. Squeeze the vitamin directly onto the thickening and massage it. Use as many compresses as necessary to completely cover the callus.
Let the vitamin work for at least 30 minutes
Step 4. Make an aspirin paste
This drug contains acetylsalicylic acid, which has an effective action for corns. Make a dough by breaking 6 uncoated tablets into a bowl. Add half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to create a smooth blend that you can apply to the corn. Wrap the affected area in a warm towel and leave for 10 to 15 minutes.
Part 3 of 4: Using the Pumice Stone
Step 1. Purchase a pumice stone
It is a very porous rock that forms during volcanic eruptions. It can be used to gently scrub (exfoliate) the thickened skin of the callus. Once the calloused area has softened, you can use this stone to scrape the top layers of the callus.
You can find pumice stone in supermarkets and personal hygiene shops
Step 2. Hydrate the calloused area
Follow a method to soften the skin to prepare the area to be treated. You can leave castor oil or vitamin E on your skin for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.
Step 3. Rub the pumice stone on the affected area
Once hydrated, the skin responds better to the pumice stone and you will be able to remove many thickened layers. When the skin is softer it is not necessary to scratch too aggressively. Rub it gently but firmly, in one direction, as if you want to file your nails or play the violin. With a steady, steady hand, applying minimal pressure, scratch the top of the callus until you reach the healthy skin underneath.
Always remember that calluses are nothing more than the body's response to increased pressure and friction. If you rub too hard, you can further stimulate its formation
Step 4. Repeat this procedure every day
Be patient during the treatment. Use the pumice stone every day to remove some of the corn. It may take some time, but you will eventually be able to notice the results.
Step 5. See your doctor if the callus doesn't go away
If it persists even after a week or two, you need to call your doctor for advice. Sometimes medical procedures may be necessary, such as:
- Surgical excision;
- Use of urea (an emollient cleansing substance for the skin) which helps to make it softer and to remove dead cells;
- Brace to minimize pressure and / or friction;
- More invasive surgery.
Step 6. Don't cut or shave the callus
Although the skin is very thick, you only have to remove it by scratching it off. Do not try to cut the calloused area even with a razor, as this could cause an infection and open wounds. Furthermore, you may run the risk of incising too deeply or at the wrong angle and consequently having to go to your doctor for treatment.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing the formation of corns
Step 1. Check your skin regularly for thickened areas
Check it for changes that may indicate the development of a callus. If you can't easily reach or see your feet, ask someone for help. You can also talk to your doctor or podiatrist.
Step 2. Stop the activity that causes calluses
If thickening is forming from playing the guitar, for example, you can stop doing it. However, it is not always possible to interrupt the responsible activity of the callus. If, for example, you have a callus on your fingers caused by the friction of the pen when you write, it may not be possible to avoid this action in your daily routine.
Step 3. Put on the right size shoes
Many people suffer from calluses on their feet because they don't wear the right shoes. Since, as mentioned above, corn is a body response to friction, you must eliminate the source of the problem and thus avoid friction or friction.
- Check the size of your feet often. Feet change shape and size as the years go by, so it's important to put on the right shoes for your current condition.
- Try on the shoes before buying them. Sometimes the fit can be different depending on the manufacturer, so you need to pay attention to how the shoes fit your feet, regardless of the size indicated on the box.
- Make sure there is at least 1.3 cm between the tip of the foot and the tip of the shoe.
- Don't buy shoes thinking they will widen and adapt over time as you wear them. If they are too tight when you buy them, please choose a larger size.
Step 4. Protect the skin from calluses
Wear gloves, socks, and shoes that fit properly to prevent corns. Don't walk barefoot, as this increases the likelihood of corns forming.
Step 5. Apply foot moisturizer and hand cream
Put these lotions on before putting on gloves or stockings to reduce friction and thus greatly relieve pain caused by skin thickening.
Alternatively, you can spread a generous amount of petroleum jelly. This way you will never have hydration problems again
Step 6. Put orthopedic inserts in the shoes (orthotics)
These, or small donut-shaped foot pads specifically designed for corns, are great because they lift and protect the area of calluses, thus reducing friction by avoiding contact with shoes. Such devices do not eliminate existing calluses, but they prevent others from forming.
