Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. Corns and calluses can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Taking care of corns and calluses is important because they can lead to infection if left untreated.
For many people, callus is more of an annoyance than a problem. Calluses can sometimes point to a problem with the foot or even with the way you walk. Calluses may be thicker than regular skin, as thick as a quarter. However, if you notice an increase in pain or other symptoms that accompany your calluses, you should consult a podiatrist to see if there is any underlying cause for concern.
How to Prevent Calluses from Forming on Your Feet
Keeping your feet clean and dry is important for a healthy foot. If you have diabetes, this is even more important because you have an increased risk of infection. Symptoms of dry skin or fungal infections include itchiness and a burning sensation in your feet. Fungal infections are often painful to walk on, so it’s best to visit a podiatrist if you develop them.
Our feet are often exposed to moisture and sustained pressure when we’re not at home. This allows bacteria and fungus to thrive, leading to inflammation and further damage of the skin. If you live with diabetes, the threat of infection is even higher. That’s why it’s important to keep your fe et clean and dry: it prevents infections which lead to irritation, pain, and ulcers in the foot. Here are some tips to avoid getting calluses.
Check Your Shoe Size
Begin by choosing a pair of shoes that are comfortable. Don’t wear shoes that are too large, where your foot moves around causing friction and rubbing. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight, which can cause bunions. Make sure you get sized up regularly as you buy shoes since your feet can grow and change as you age.
Foot Care
We strongly advise you to regularly moisturise your feet to reduce calluses and rough, dry skin. Make sure to routinely peel your feet with a pumice stone. Says our podiatrist Russel, “The epidermis under and around your feet is extremely thick contrasted with that of your ears or back. Make sure the cream you’re using has at least 15-25% urea. Urea is a natural glasslike compound which has a two-overlap impact – it tenderly sheds (being a keratolytic) and furthermore hydrates.”
Wear Socks
A good pair of socks could help prevent the formation of calluses. If a callus develops, people can wear socks that have extra padding to provide relief at high pressure points such as heel and ball of the foot.
Symptoms of Untreated Calluses
If hammer toes, ingrown toenails, or calluses are causing you pain or simply seem abnormal, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Some symptoms may include:
- Swelling
- Fever
- Pain
- Tenderness around the callus
- Pus or fluid draining from the callus
- Discoloration
- Splitting of the skin
- Discomfort or pain when walking or standing
What’s the Worst That Could Happen?
If you have diabetes, calluses on your feet might become too thick, split open and get infected, or turn into ulcers – which are sores that don’t heal. If you don’t have diabetes as well, but still find yourself with complications such as an infection, it’s imperative that you see a doctor right away before it goes too far. While sepsis can be fatal if left untreated, catching the problem early makes it easier to resolve.
It is important to treat your feet like the sensitive and important body parts that they are: keep treating them well with quality footwear, keep them clean and dry daily, practice good foot hygiene, and use moisturizer when necessary. If you don’t have diabetes, there shouldn’t be a reason to see a doctor for a callus infection, but it’s terribly important to do so if you have diabetes.
Why See a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist can help evaluate your foot condition and provide tailored solutions that work for you. They can offer specialized treatment for conditions that you didn’t even know you had, such as skin diseases that affect the whole foot.
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