It is estimated that an average person walks or walks approximately one hundred thousand kilometers during their lifetime. So you can imagine that your feet have to endure a lot, causing certain types of wear and tear to emerge. One of the most common ailments we experience on our feet are calluses and corns, a thickening of the skin that can lead to painful situations if left untreated. Fortunately, there are some useful remedies and measures to prevent calluses and the development of corns.
Corns vs foot calluses
Corns and calluses are basically thickenings of the skin that can mainly develop on the feet. They are usually caused by friction on the skin when wearing ill-fitting or too tight footwear.
Corn or corn
Corn eyes are small, round spots on the skin that thicken as a result of friction and pressure on that particular area. Since corns exert pressure on the deep skin layers of the foot, this can have very painful consequences. Depending on the affected area on the foot, this condition can be divided into two forms: hard and soft corns.
Hard corns are usually caused by ill-fitting shoes and manifest as a horny thickening of the skin on the tips or outer edge of the smaller toes. Soft corn, on the other hand, usually occurs between the toes and is softer in texture as opposed to its hard variety. This is due to the presence of perspiration that keeps the space between the toes continuously moist
Foot calluses
Foot calluses cover a much larger area of hardened skin unlike corns. Foot calluses usually occur on the soles of the feet and the area just below the toes because these areas receive the most pressure when you walk. Foot calluses are initially not painful but can become worse and painful if left untreated.
Causes
Corns and foot calluses are natural defense mechanisms to protect the skin against friction and pressure. Factors that may contribute to its development include:
- Abnormalities of the foot, for example hammertoes
- Bony protrusions on the foot
- Poorly fitting shoes (too loose or too tight)
- High-heeled shoes (put more pressure on the front of the foot)
- An irregular gait
- Flat feet
- Walking on hard surfaces
People over the age of 65, diabetics and people working in construction, agriculture and horticulture are at increased risk of developing foot calluses and corns.
Precautionary actions
Although foot calluses are very common and almost never problematic, they can still cause a lot of discomfort. Corns, on the other hand, are more harmful and can potentially cause tissue damage and painful ulcers. Fortunately, there are many simple remedies that you can apply yourself, but it is of course better to prevent than to cure.
- Know your pressure and friction points : Calluses and corns are caused by friction and pressure. If you feel frequent friction in a certain area of the foot while walking, you can address it and prevent hardened skin from developing.
- Trim your toenails : The pressure of toenails that are too long can cause the toe joint to be pressed against the top of your shoe, causing friction and potentially causing calluses or corns.
- Moisturize with Vaseline: Immerse your feet in a bath of Vaseline before taking a long walk.
- Fitting shoes : Buy shoes that fit well and feel comfortable when walking. Shoes that are too loose or too tight can quickly cause unpleasant ailments.
- Adhesives : Purchase protective adhesives from the pharmacist that regulate pressure when applied to sensitive areas.
- Wash and dry daily: Wash and dry your feet daily.
Useful remedies
In addition to medication, there are some home remedies that will quickly relieve you of the discomfort of foot calluses and corns.
Pumice stone
First soak the feet in water to soften the skin. Then rub a wet pumice stone back and forth over the affected area. Repeat this action with small breaks of a few minutes to allow the dead skin to loosen.
Baking soda
Soak the feet in a solution of warm water, supplemented with those tablespoons of baking soda. This is a very effective way to remove hard, dead skin. Alternatively, you can dilute three parts baking soda with one part water and massage it onto the affected area.
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch on the affected area to eliminate moisture. The toes should be kept dry as moisture can potentially cause infections.
Vinegar
Dip a cotton cloth in vinegar and then apply it to the affected area overnight. Remove this the next morning and rub away the dead skin with a pumice stone.
Pineapple
The peel of a pineapple contains enzymes that can have a soothing effect on calluses and corns. Apply this peel on the affected area for several nights. After three to four nights, the hard skin will loosen on its own.
