Many people are afflicted with corns and calluses on their feet and hands. Corn and calluses are thick, tough layers of skin that develop in areas where the skin faces a lot of friction or pressure in an effort to protect itself.
These things often take on a yellow color and are not very appealing to look at, but they are not actually a health concern in many cases. However, they can still be removed to improve appearances.
The easiest way to remove corns and calluses is to stop applying the pressure or friction that is causing the skin to put on the extra protection. This works for most people, but there is the occasional exception.
Even if the corn or callus is removed another way, it is still important to removed the source of friction or pressure another way so that the corn or callus does not redevelop. Conditions such as diabetes or others that cause bad circulation in the feet can make it much easier for you to develop corns and calluses.
In these cases it is best to speak to a doctor for the best solution available to you. Some indicators of corns and calluses include a thick or rough area of skin, a hardened raised bump, tenderness or pain under your skin, and flaky dry or waxy skin.
Even though corn and calluses are often paired together, they are not the same thing. Corns are generally smaller in size and have a hard center that is encompassed by irritated and inflamed skin.
For the most part, corns develop in areas that do not bear a lot of weight. These areas may be the tops and sides or the toes.
However, they can occasionally grow in weight-bearing areas. Corns are painful when they are pushed, which often happens when they develop between the toes.
On the other hand, calluses tend to grow on the soles of the feet where much of the weight is centered, such as the heels and the balls. Calluses have also been known to develop on the hands and knees.
Calluses usually only develop a protective layer for the skin and are relatively painless. They can be a variety of shapes and sizes, but are usually bigger than corns.
If the corn or callus is painful or inflamed it is important to see a doctor. This is especially important if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or another complicating factor.
If you have one of these complications, be sure to call your doctor before trying to self-treat the corn or callus. If the foot becomes injured, it could result in a foot ulcer that does not heal very quickly or easily.
There are many potential causes of corn and callus development. One cause could be poorly fitted shoes.
If your shoes are too tight or have very high heels, they will put pressure on various areas of the foot. When they are too loose, you foot will slide around and provide more opportunity for the rubbing and irritation to occur.
A rogue seam or stitch may also be cause for extra irritation. If your shoes are the problem, get rid of them and purchase new ones.
Another potential cause of corns or calluses is that habit of not wearing socks. Socks can help lower the amount of friction applies to the actual foot.
Without this relief, it is very easy for corns and calluses to develop. However, socks that do not fit properly can also cause extra friction and corns or calluses.
There are also several conditions of the foot that can add to the likelihood of developing a corn or callus. For example, bunions, hammertoes, and other foot deformities can cause constant rubbing inside of a shoe.
When you visit a doctor, he or she will examine your feet and determine the cause of the thick skin. He or she may also want to perform an X-ray to determine that the cause of the deformity is not due to abnormal physical structure of the foot.
The doctor may prescribe a specific treatment, but wearing properly fitting shoes and sock, protective pads and other things can help prevent the redevelopment of the corn or callus.
Some things the doctor may prescribe include trimming, salicylic acid, antibiotic medication, shoe inserts, and in very unusual circumstances surgery.
Be sure to follow the doctor's advice and take proper care of your feet. They are your main means of transportation and you do not have to face daily pain due to corns or calluses.
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick has worked as a foot doctor for the last 14 years and written hundreds of articles about having healthy feet. He recommends (http://www.drroths.com) for more information about plantar fasciitis and other foot related health issues.
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