Calluses
How to remove foot calluses? All the information about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for plantar hyperkeratosis.
Symptoms and Causes
Hyperkeratosis, known as calluses, consists of the formation of thick layers of skin that harden over time. They usually appear in areas with more pressure or that experience more friction when moving, such as the soles of the feet or the toes.
Calluses are divided into two types, depending on their characteristics:
- Tilomas: They appear in the superficial layers of the skin, are yellowish in color, and have undefined borders. They usually do not cause pain.
- Helomas: Covered with hard skin and have a defined core that causes pain.
Based on their location, they are classified as:
- Plantar Nail: Also known as a hard corn, it appears on the sole of the foot due to improper walking posture or bone abnormalities.
- Interdigital Heloma: Forms between the toes, usually due to friction between them. They can be referred to as a "clove corn" or "soft corn."
- Dorsal Heloma: Appears on the top of the toes due to friction with footwear or a malformation in the phalanges.
- Pulpar Corn: Appears on the tip of the toes.
- Sack Bottom Heloma: One of the most painful types, it forms in the area of skin connecting two toes.
Although they can cause pain, in most cases they are not a serious condition, as calluses form to protect a part of the body that suffers recurrent pressure. However, it is advisable to monitor and treat them to prevent complications or improve their appearance.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of calluses on the feet are:
- Thickened and hardened skin areas.
- Bumps.
- Pain (in some cases).
Causes
Calluses form due to excessive pressure or friction on the skin of the feet. Most of the time, they arise from one of the following causes:
- Inappropriate footwear (too tight or high-heeled shoes).
- Poor use or lack of socks.
- Walking abnormalities.
- Family history.
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the risk of developing hyperkeratosis on the feet include:
- Genetic tendency to form calluses.
- Having bunions or other foot malformations.
- Engaging in activities that continuously pressurize the skin of the feet.
- Wearing shoes that are too loose, overly tight, or have excessive heels.
- Walking in a way that causes uneven weight distribution on the sole of the foot.
Complications
It is uncommon for calluses to cause complications. People with diabetes may develop ulcers that can lead to infections, so extra care is needed.
Prevention
The best way to prevent calluses on the feet is to wear appropriate shoes with socks and properly hydrate the skin. People with gait abnormalities can improve their foot health by using custom insoles.
What Doctor Treats Calluses?
Calluses are diagnosed and treated in a podiatry consultation.
Diagnosis
Calluses are diagnosed through a visual examination of the feet. This observation allows specialists to rule out other conditions such as warts or cysts.
Treatment
Treatment for calluses is only necessary when they cause pain, though they may also be removed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the feet. Treatment typically involves:
- Recommendations to avoid actions that cause hyperkeratosis.
- Moisturizing and exfoliating creams that reduce skin thickness, soften it, and slow the buildup of dead skin.
- Cushioned insoles to relieve pain and increase comfort.
- Filing the calluses to remove excess skin.
- Surgery to correct bone abnormalities causing the calluses, and in some cases, removal of the corn.
