Calluses are thick and hardened lesions in the topmost layer of the skin. They occur due to repeated friction or pressure in a particular area of skin. Calluses are predominantly found on feet, toes, hands and fingers. These are often not harmful, painless and are a cosmetic discomfort.
What causes callus formation?
- Wearing wrong size shoes
- Avoiding socks
- Avoiding footwear for long periods
- Frequently handling certain types of musical instruments or tools
- Sports/Physical activities
- Improper posture while walking/running
- Structural deformities in the body
- Weight lifting
Symptoms of callus
- Large, flat, thick hardened patches or raised bumps over the skin
- Dry, flaky and less sensitive to touch compared to the rest of the skin
- Painful(rare)
Do you need to consult with a doctor?
- For a healthy individual, there is no need to treat calluses unless they cause pain. In most cases, eliminating the source of friction helps to cure calluses.
- If you are an individual with Diabetes, heart disease or circulatory diseases, you need to consult a doctor at the earliest.
- Visit a doctor if the callus bleeds or has any pus discharge or if there is an ulcer formation in the site.
Treatment of callus
- Treatment depends on the severity of the callus and whether the callus is infected or has a cosmetic appearance.
- Culture samples are taken from the infected foot/toe/hand callus. Based on the reports, appropriate antibiotics are started.
- Surgical removal of the callus is done if there is a secondary deformity developed due to the presence of callus.
- If the callus is extremely painful and hinders normal day-to-day activity, Surgical treatment is offered by the surgeons.
- Surgical options can also be explored if the patient requires cosmetic compliance.
NOTE:
Do not try to cut the callus off at home as it might lead to infection.
Home remedies for callus
- Use a pumice stone regularly after soaking your foot or hands in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
- Using moisturising solutions or creams over the hands and feet regularly can help in softening the callus.
- Using skin padding or insoles, or heel pads can help in protecting the callus.
Prevention of callus
- Callus can be easily prevented by wearing the right-sized footwear with enough foot space.
- Using customised soft insoles in the footwear.
- Wearing socks
- Keeping the foot well moisturised
- Wear protective gear like padded gloves while handling tools and instruments.
- Regular trimming of toenails.
- Overall good foot hygiene.
Conclusion
This common yet simple problem that people generally face in their day-to-day lives can be prevented and treated in the simplest manner. Proper care to self-help a long way.
FAQ
How do I get rid of callus?
1 ·Treatment is based on the severity of the callus, whether the callus is infected or has a cosmetic appearance.
2 ·Culture samples are taken from the infected foot/toe/hand callus. Based on the reports, appropriate antibiotics are started.
3 ·Surgical removal of the callus is done if there is a secondary deformity developed due to the presence of callus.
4·If the callus is extremely painful and hinders normal day-to-day activity, Surgical treatment is offered by the surgeons.
5·Surgical options can also be explored if the patient requires cosmetic compliance.
2 ·Culture samples are taken from the infected foot/toe/hand callus. Based on the reports, appropriate antibiotics are started.
3 ·Surgical removal of the callus is done if there is a secondary deformity developed due to the presence of callus.
4·If the callus is extremely painful and hinders normal day-to-day activity, Surgical treatment is offered by the surgeons.
5·Surgical options can also be explored if the patient requires cosmetic compliance.
Should you remove calluses?
1·For a healthy individual, there is no need to treat calluses unless they cause pain. In most cases eliminating the source of friction helps to cure calluses.
2·If you are an individual with Diabetes, heart disease or circulatory diseases, you need to consult a doctor at the earliest.
Visit a doctor if the callus bleeds or has any pus discharge or if there is an ulcer formation in the site.
2·If you are an individual with Diabetes, heart disease or circulatory diseases, you need to consult a doctor at the earliest.
Visit a doctor if the callus bleeds or has any pus discharge or if there is an ulcer formation in the site.
