Overview

Corns and calluses are what you call the hard, painful areas found on your feet, hands, or sometimes on your knees. They are usually caused by too much friction or pressure to those areas. These are actually your body’s response to protect itself from too much pressure or friction. While they do not pose any potential harm to you, they can result in some irritation if left untreated.

Corns and calluses need proper treatment, and after the treatment, a regular session in a nail salon can keep them at bay.

Symptoms of Corns and Calluses

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are symptoms of corns or callus:

  • A rough and thick area of the skin
  • A bump that’s hard and raised
  • Pain under your skin or tenderness on that area
  • Waxy, flaky or dry skin

    • While the symptoms may be similar, it’s essential to realize that corns and calluses are different from each other. Corns tend to be smaller than calluses. Although you can still find corns in weight-bearing areas of your feet, they will most likely develop on the parts of your feet that don’t carry much weight, e.g., the tops, sides, and the skin in between your toes.

    When you put pressure on the corns, they can become painful. Calluses, on the other hand, are seldom painful. They are usually found under the heels or balls of your feet or on the palms of your hands. Calluses can also develop on your knees.

    3 Causes of Corns and Calluses

    Generally speaking, corns and calluses are the results of frequent pressure and friction to your hands, knees, or feet, which can stem from the following:

  • Incorrect shoe size: Wearing tight shoes and high heels can result to compression of areas of your feet. The opposite can also lead to your feet repeatedly sliding or rubbing against your big shoes. Hence, it’s crucial to find a shoe that fits your feet.
  • Not wearing socks: Socks can help lessen the chances of getting corns and calluses because they protect your feet from too much friction. Wearing socks that don’t fit or skipping it altogether may lead to corns and calluses.
  • Frequent use of musical instruments or hand tools: Yes, playing a musical instrument, such as a guitar, using hand tools or even regular writing, can cause them too.

    • If you regularly experience or if you practice any of the causes above, it might be best to consider visiting your trusted nail salon regularly to keep corns and calluses at bay. However, it’s best to see a doctor if you need treatments done to them. Your nail salon can just serve as maintenance care.

    Treatment of Corns and Calluses

    DIY Treatment

    Treating corns and calluses can be done at home via some self-care measures. Below are three DIY tips on how to treat them:

  • Soaking: Try soaking your hands and feet in warm, soapy water to soften corns and calluses. It can help the removal go a lot easier.
  • Moisturizing: Make sure to moisturize your skin, especially your hands and feet to keep them soft and smooth.
  • Wearing comfortable shoes and socks: Get a pair of shoes that will fit well on your feet. Opt for cushioned shoes and socks too for added comfort.

    • A regular visit to your favorite nail salon can also help prevent corns and calluses. If treatment is indeed needed, consider a medical consultation first before visiting a nail salon.

    Medical Treatment as an Option

    If your corn or callus does not subside even after your DIY treatments, it’s time to consider visiting a doctor for medical procedures. This can include the following:

  • Trimming: A doctor may trim away excess skin using a scalpel to provide relief from corns or calluses. It’s a treatment that you should never do at home as this can lead to an infection.
  • Medicating: There is a callus-removing medication that can be provided to you by a doctor. It can include applying a patch with 40% salicylic acid to the affected area. A patch does not need any prescription. However, if you prefer medication in the form of a gel, you would need a prescription. Gel forms of salicylic acid are often prescribed if you need to medicate a larger area.
  • Surgery: This is an extreme measure that doctors rarely prescribe. It will only be recommended if you have a bone alignment that is causing repetitive friction to the area.

    • Corns and calluses are a nuisance. The best way to treat them is to avoid repetitive actions that lead to their development in the first place. But should you need to get treated for it, don’t hesitate to try out some DIY practices or go and see your doctor. After the treatment, consider regularly visiting your trusted nail salon so it can be taken care of.

    Author's Bio: 

    Lilly Myers is a freelance content writer and social worker at Beverly Hills Speech Therapy. She has just recently received Master's in Medical Sciences. Besides her occupancy she tries to find a spare time for volunteering and helping the people with disorders.