Preventing and treating calluses : Your online pharmacy selection

What is a callus?

A callus is an area of skin that becomes hard and thick as a result of repeated rubbing or continuous pressure. This phenomenon is a protective response of the epidermis against external aggression. Calluses are often confused with corns, but unlike corns, they do not have a hard central core. They generally appear on the feet, particularly on the toes, heels or soles.

How to recognize a callus?

Calluses appear as a thickened, hardened layer of skin, often yellow or gray in color. The affected area may be large and less defined than a callus. Calluses may be slightly painful to the touch, but are generally less painful than corns.

What are the main causes of calluses?

Calluses are mainly caused by

• Wearing unsuitable footwear: shoes that are too tight or too wide, rubbing against the skin.
• Foot deformities: such as bunions (hallux valgus) or hammertoes, which increase pressure on certain areas of the foot.
• Frequent walking or repetitive activities: which exert continuous pressure on the feet.

What are the best ways to prevent calluses?

To prevent the appearance of calluses, we recommend :

• Choose appropriate footwear: comfortable, with sufficient space for the toes, and with good support for the foot.
• Use orthopedic insoles: if necessary, to distribute pressure more evenly over the soles of the feet.
• Moisturize feet regularly: applying a moisturizing cream can help keep skin supple and prevent hardening.

How to treat calluses

There are several approaches to treating calluses:

• Use of a pumice stone or foot file: to gently reduce the thickness of the callus.
• Keratolytic creams: containing substances such as salicylic acid to soften hardened areas.
• Consult a podiatrist: for professional treatment, especially for persistent or painful calluses.

Can calluses indicate other health problems?

Although calluses are generally benign, their presence can sometimes indicate alignment or pressure distribution problems in the feet, which may require assessment by a podiatry specialist. In addition, people with diabetes need to be particularly vigilant in the presence of calluses, as they are at risk of complications such as foot ulcers.

Can I remove a callus myself?

It is possible to treat a callus at home using gentle, non-invasive methods. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Soften the skin: Soak your feet in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes to soften the hardened skin.
2. Exfoliate: Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently rub the affected area and remove dead skin. Proceed with care to avoid damaging the surrounding healthy skin.
3. Moisturizing: After exfoliation, apply a moisturizing cream specially formulated for feet to nourish and protect the skin.

It's important not to use sharp objects to cut or remove calluses, as this can cause injury and infection.

When should I consult a professional about a callus?

It is advisable to consult a podiatrist or other foot care specialist in the following cases:

• If the callus is extremely painful or worsening.
• If you have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation, which increase the risk of complications.
• If home treatment methods fail to produce results after several weeks.

A professional can offer more advanced treatments, such as custom orthotics or interventions to correct foot deformities.

Can children develop calluses?

Yes, children can also develop calluses, especially if they are very active or wear ill-fitting shoes. It's crucial to ensure that a child's shoes are well adapted to the size of their feet, offering adequate support and sufficient space for the toes. Parents should check their children's feet regularly for any incipient calluses, and consult a doctor if necessary.