Health

Home Remedies to get rid of Corns and Calluses

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are thick and hard skin layers which usually occurs in feet. Both are similar to each other but corns are smaller, painful and hard as compared to calluses. It is found that corns and calluses affect women more than men. Although they aren’t dangerous but might irritate.

If you live a healthy lifestyle, you need to treat corn and calluses only if they cause discomfort or pain. Many people simply eliminate the major source of friction or pressure that can make corns and calluses disappear.

Overview

Corns and calluses are hard layers of skin that develop when our skin try to protect itself from pressure and friction. They usually grow on our hands, toes and feet. Corns and calluses are mostly unsighted and cause irritation. If you have diabetes or any health condition which restricts the smooth flow of blood to your feet, you might be at risk of complications caused due to corns and calluses. Always seek doctor’s advice to take proper care for the growing issue and if you have any acute condition.

Symptoms of corns and calluses

  • Thick and rough skin area
  • Raised, hard bumpy texture
  • Pain or tenderness under the skin
  • Dry, waxy and flaky skin

Difference between corn and calluses

Many people confuse corns with calluses although they are not the same thing. Corns are comparatively smaller and have a hard centre. Corns are surrounded by inflamed skin and tend to grow in those parts of the feet that does not have to bear much weight like sides of the toes, tops and even between some parts of our toes. Corns can be painful when pressed or given weight.

Calluses, on the other side, is not painful and usually develops on the soles of our feet. They can be found under balls or our heels, on the knees or the palms. Calluses may vary in shape and size and are larger than corns.

Causes behind corns and calluses

  • Wearing ill-fitting or tight shoes can compress our feet. When the footwear is loose, they may rub our feet slightly and slide repeatedly. It is feasible that our foot gets rubbed against the seam of the shoe and cause unnecessary friction.
  • Skipping socks is another reason that might cause corns and calluses. We often skip socks while wearing sandals and shoes that cause friction in our feet. Ill-fitting socks can also be a big problem and a cause behind corns and calluses.
  • Using hand tools or playing instruments may cause calluses in our hands. This is due to the constant pressure caused because of playing an instrument or due to using hand tools and even writing.

Lifestyle and home remedies for removing corns and calluses

If you have no serious or underlying health problems, try below-mentioned remedies to get rid of corns and calluses from your life.

Using over-the-counter pads

Over-the-counter pads can be applied to protect or cover the area where corn or calluses have developed. You must be careful while using over-the-counter pads, also called liquid corn removers or medicated corn pads. The corn pads are made of salicylic acid that causes irritation to the healthy skin and may cause infection to the people suffering from diabetes or unhealthy and poor blood flow.

Soaking feet or hands

Soaking feet or hands having corns and calluses in warm and soapy water often softens the affected area. This further makes hard and thick skin removal easier.

Thinning the thickened skin

After or during the bath, you can rub the corn or calluses with the help of pumice stone, washcloth, nail file or emery board. This helps in the removal of a toughened layer of skin. Never use any sharp object to remove excessive skin. Also, if you have diabetes, do not use a pumice stone.

Use skin moisturizer

Using a skin moisturizer keeps feet and hands soft and avoids the development of corns and calluses.

Wearing comfortable socks and shoes

Always wear cushioned shoes that are well-fitting. Use socks which are soft and comfortable until the corn or calluses disappear completely.

Related posts

Start-ups to Big Brands: Here’s Why Vegan Products Are Thriving in India

Shweta Jhawar

Unanticipated Consequences of Under Sleeping

Prateeksha Singhal

Know How to Stop Overeating by Following Simple Life Hacks

Rashmi Poddar

Leave a Comment