Types of calluses
Calluses are distinguished by structure and location. Corns are flat thickenings on the supporting areas of the sole. Dry, hard calluses form on the toes and heels, while core calluses have a dense core that puts pressure on the nerve endings. Soft calluses occur between the toes where the skin is moist and appear whitish. A water callus - a bubble with clear liquid after acute friction - appears quickly, for example after new shoes, and when protected from friction, it heals itself.
- Corns (callus)
- Dry hard callus
- Callus
- Soft interdigital callus
- Water callus (blister)
Causes and risk factors
The skin thickens to protect itself from repeated mechanical stress. If pressure falls on the same points, the stratum corneum grows stronger and stronger. Calluses under the toes are often associated with transverse flat feet and wearing heels, calluses on the toes are often associated with tight shoes and hammertoes. The load is increased by excess weight, long walking and standing, and gait features. Athletes get calluses where they rub against equipment.
- Tight, narrow or hard shoes
- High heels
- Transverse and longitudinal flatfoot
- Hallux valgus deformity
- Hammer fingers
- Excess body weight
Symptoms and difference from a wart
The corn looks like a yellowish dense thickening with blurred boundaries and can cause a burning sensation and a “pebble” sensation under the foot. The callus is a small round compacted area with a translucent center; when pressing on it, acute pain occurs. Calluses are often confused with plantar warts. The wart interrupts the skin pattern, black dots are visible in it - thrombosed vessels, and it hurts more when squeezed from the sides than with direct pressure.
- Dense yellow thickening of the skin
- Pain when walking and pressure
- Burning and foreign body sensation
- Translucent rod in the center
- Whitish, soft skin between the toes
- Preserved skin pattern, unlike a wart
Diagnostics
A dermatologist or podologist examines the feet, determines the type of callus, its location and distinguishes it from a wart, keratoderma and a foreign body. It is important to evaluate shoes, foot shape and load distribution. For recurring corns and foot deformities, consultation with an orthopedist and podometry is useful - a study of the distribution of pressure on the sole. For people with diabetes, foot sensation, blood flow, and sugar levels are checked.
- Examination by a dermatologist or podologist
- Shoe and gait assessment
- Consultation with an orthopedist for foot deformities
- Podometry
- Testing sensitivity and blood flow in diabetes
Treatment and prevention
Without removing the pressure, calluses quickly return, so the first step is to select comfortable shoes, protective pads and orthopedic insoles. To soften keratinized skin, creams with urea are used, and callus products with acids are used only on intact skin and not for diabetes. A podiatrist painlessly removes corns and calluses using hardware. Surgical correction is needed for severe finger deformities. Cutting calluses with a blade yourself is dangerous due to cuts and infection.
- Wear shoes that fit with a wide toe
- Limit high heels
- Use orthopedic insoles for flat feet
- Protect vulnerable areas with silicone gaskets
- Regularly soften the skin of your feet with cream
- If you have diabetes, do not use acid callus patches.