About Calluses

Calluses are thick, hardened areas of skin on your body. They can be caused by a multitude of issues, some as simple as the way your shoes fit, and others far more internal and complex. Calluses are actually a way for your skin to protect itself, but they can become unsightly and extremely painful if the underlying issue is not addressed and resolved.

Significance

Calluses usually form on the ball of the foot or the toes.

Calluses are indicative of a problem with a specific area of your body. The formation of a callus can indicate that you are putting undue pressure on that body part, as in the case of calluses that form on your feet because of shoes that are too high, too tight or just not appropriate for your foot type. However, diabetes and other health conditions that lead to poor circulation can also cause calluses and lead to major complications.

Types

Calluses generally form on the hands or feet. There are several different types. They can be quite small and create a large bump, or they can be flat, waxy areas of skin that are more than an inch in diameter. Some types of calluses have dry, flaky skin on the top and are hard underneath. Nearly all calluses are characterized by itching, pain or tenderness underneath the callus.

Identification

Writer's callus is generally not particularly painful, but it is unsightly.

Calluses and corns are often confused, but in reality they are quite different. Calluses are patches of skin that have gone into "defense mode" and are hard and difficult to penetrate. Corns, on the other hand, have a small, hard center that is surrounded by inflamed skin. They are characterized by a dull ache and are not caused by pressure. Corns generally cause more problems than calluses because they are more painful and can be harder to treat.

Effects

Many people have calluses that serve a purpose. You may have a hard callus on the ball of your foot because you stand on your feet all day. This callus is actually protecting the skin underneath it and is not necessarily a bad thing--as long as it is not painful. However, calluses can become infected and extremely painful, or they can become so large that they impede walking. Many people who write a lot develop a callus on their third finger. This callus can be embarrassing and is unsightly.

Prevention/Solution

You can prevent calluses by wearing shoes that fit. They should give your toes plenty of room. You can also protect areas of your body that might be susceptible to calluses by padding them. Preventing writer's calluses can be accomplished with a rubber pad that fits over a pen or pencil, and most drug stores sell foot and toe padding.
If you already have calluses, you can treat them in several ways. Changing shoes can often help. You can also thin the skin of the callus by soaking it in warm water and then rubbing it with a pumice stone or washcloth to remove the top layer of skin. You should also moisturize the callused area to help ease the discomfort caused by the callus and eliminate it over time. However, if you do not change the behavior that is causing the callus, it will just come back.

Warning

If you have diabetes, you should not use a pumice stone to wear away your calluses because they can lead to serious skin infections in diabetics. Regardless of your health conditions, you should never shave a callus with a razor as this can also lead to serious infections. These infections can get into your blood stream and become major health complications.