As a result of friction or pressure on the skin, corns and calluses are hard, thickened patches of skin. Arthritis or ill-fitting shoes are frequent causes of corn.
Corn can be either dry and firm or mushy and gooey. Arthritis or ill-fitting shoes are frequent causes of corn.
Although corns and calluses are not harmful, they can be very annoying. Luckily, several natural therapies can help.
The majority of corns are rounded and quite painful. Bony malformations like hammer toes and foot bone irregularities can lead to calluses and corns.
While they are often not hazardous, they can cause skin irritation, infections, or ulcerations, particularly in patients with diabetes or poor blood circulation in their feet.
This article will help you discover more and get some quick hacks to help your skin regain its softness by treating corns and calluses.
How To Identify Corns And Calluses?
A doctor will scrape some skin from the afflicted region and look at it under a microscope to check for the presence of human papillomavirus to establish if a hard patch of skin is a callus or a wart (HPV).
If HPV is absent, the growth is probably a callus. Warts bleed in a distinctive pattern when the top layer of skin is scraped off, whereas calluses do not.
To choose the right course of therapy, it is crucial to understand how the two vary.
While corns and calluses may frequently be controlled with straightforward methods like regular cutting and shoe alterations, warts require specialist antiviral therapy.
Tips to Treat Corns And Calluses
Given beow are some great tips to help you cure corns and calluses—
1. Warm Water Soaring
Corns and calluses can be softened in warm, soapy water. After soaking, use a pumice stone to scrub the afflicted region to remove dead skin gently.
Avoid shaving or trimming the corns and calluses since doing so might spread infection. The thicker skin may be simpler to remove as a result.
Also, it aids in the treatment of any discomfort brought on by corns or calluses. It is crucial to remember that to prevent damage or infection. The thicker skin should be gently removed.
See a doctor if the corn or callus persists or causes excruciating discomfort. Corns and calluses shouldn’t be removed with sharp items because doing so might cause more issues.
The best options are over-the-counter medications or expert assistance from a podiatrist.
2. Filing With Pumice Stone
A lightweight yet abrasive stone known as a pumice stone is used to scrape dry, dead skin from calluses and corns. It is used to exfoliate dry, dead skin, soften calluses, and soften the corn.
To exfoliate and soften the skin, pumice stones are frequently used during pedicures to smooth away rough regions on the feet and other parts of the body.
It is advised to begin with a small area and gentle pressure, gradually increasing as you grow more comfortable.
Avoid bacterial growth by carefully cleaning the stone after each usage and replacing it every few months.
3. Deep Moisturization
Daily moisturizing of the feet is essential to avoid dryness and cracking, which can cause pain and infections.
Salicylic acid, urea, and ammonium lactate-containing products aid in softening dry skin and avoiding consequences, including infections and ulcers.
Before using any foot care products, it is advised that you see a healthcare provider. A dermatologist should be consulted if you worry about your foot care regimen.
You can read more about products that can help you bring back the lost suppleness to your skin.
Choosing the proper lotion is essential for maintaining healthy feet because using the incorrect one can result in rashes and other skin issues.
4. Change Your Footwear
Choose cozy shoes that let your skin breathe, get footwear that fits your feet correctly, and pay attention to the form of your shoes.
Choose appropriate footwear for the activity you’ll be performing and gives your feet the support they need. Wear comfortable shoes and good-quality socks.
Avoid going barefoot in public places, and keep your feet clean. Frequent foot moisturizing can also aid in preventing corn growth.
Blisters, calluses, and fungal infections may all be avoided by wearing corporate logo socks and shoes that fit properly and are made of breathable materials.
Alternating shoes and changing your socks daily is advised to allow them to air out and prevent moisture buildup.
When Should You Consider Visiting A Doctor?
The most crucial information is that it is advisable to visit a doctor or podiatrist specializing in foot care if the corn or callus is uncomfortable or if the patient has diabetes, sensitive skin, or circulation issues.
The doctor will evaluate the patient’s footwear, enquire about lifestyle choices, and inspect the patient’s feet.
The doctor could recommend antibiotic ointment if there are any indications of infection.
The doctor can suggest wearing different shoes or getting orthotics to increase foot support and stop future infections.
The patient may be referred for an X-ray and maybe surgery if the doctor believes there may be a bone structural issue behind the symptoms.
Make sure the infection is completely cured. Adherence to the doctor’s recommendations and finishing the prescribed antibiotic course is crucial. To stop future harm or problems, surgery is often an option.