How to Prevent Corns and Callouses
Corns and calluses can be uncomfortable and somewhat embarrassing. They sometimes dictate the types of shoes we wear and encourage us to keep our feet covered the majority of the time. Often painful, corns can be hard to get rid of and while calluses aren’t usually painful, they can be bothersome and unattractive. Whenever possible, it’s best to develop habits to prevent corns and calluses altogether and you can do that by following these simple steps.
Instructions
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Select properly fitting shoes. Proper shoe size is important because friction happens when two objects rub together—in this case your foot and your shoe. Too much friction causes the skin on the feet to thicken and harden, creating calluses and corns. Shoes that are too tight cause the foot to rub against the sides and bottom of the shoe, while shoes that are too loose allow the foot to slide inside the shoe as you walk. Wearing properly fitting shoes will minimize friction and help prevent corns and calluses.
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Shop for shoes in the evening. Your feet swell throughout the day and the evening is when they're at their biggest. Shopping for shoes in the evening helps to ensure that you get the proper fit and that your shoes won't be too tight.
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Opt for flats. High heeled shoes cause weight to be shifted to the front of the foot and to the toes. Due to the narrow toe of most high heeled shoes, your toes stay crammed inside causing them to rub against the inside of the shoe. This causes friction and leads to corns on the toes.
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Sprinkle talcum powder in your shoes. A little talc works to reduce friction.
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Use a pumice stone up to three times a week to shed dead thickened skin tissue before it builds to form calluses.
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Wear small bandages over the areas of your feet that tend to rub against the inside of your shoes and remove them promptly when you slip your shoes off for the evening.
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Tips & Warnings
To tell the difference between a corn and a callus, just note its location. Corns typically appear on toes and on the bones of the feet while calluses are generally located on the very bottoms of the feet.
Medicated corn and callus pads can be bought inexpensively from most supermarkets or discounts stores and they are very effective when used upon the discovery of a corn or callus.
If you have diabetes, proper foot care is essential to prevent infection. If you notice a corn or callus that bleeds or won't heal after proper treatment, see a physician promptly.
