Definition of Callus – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Calluses are thick and hardened lesions in the topmost layer of the skin. They occur due to repeated friction or pressure in a particular area of skin. Calluses are predominantly found on feet, toes, hands and fingers. These are often not harmful, painless and are a cosmetic discomfort.

What causes callus formation?

• Wearing wrong size shoes
•  Avoiding socks
• Avoiding footwear for long periods
• Frequently handling certain types of musical instruments or tools
• Sports/Physical activities
• Improper posture while walking/running
• Structural deformities in the body
• Weight lifting

Symptoms of callus

• Large, flat, thick hardened patches or raised bumps over the skin
• Dry, flaky and less sensitive to touch compared to the rest of the skin
• Painful(rare)

Do you need to consult with a doctor?

• For a healthy individual, there is no need to treat calluses unless they cause pain. In most cases, eliminating the source of friction helps to cure calluses.

• If you are an individual with Diabetes, heart disease or circulatory diseases, you need to consult a doctor at the earliest.

• Visit a doctor if the callus bleeds or has any pus discharge or if there is an ulcer formation in the site.  

Treatment of callus

• Treatment depends on the severity of the callus and whether the callus is infected or has a cosmetic appearance.

• Culture samples are taken from the infected foot/toe/hand callus. Based on the reports, appropriate antibiotics are started.

• Surgical removal of the callus is done if there is a secondary deformity developed due to the presence of callus.  

• If the callus is extremely painful and hinders normal day-to-day activity, Surgical treatment is offered by the surgeons.    

• Surgical options can also be explored if the patient requires cosmetic compliance.   

NOTE:

Do not try to cut the callus off at home as it might lead to infection.

Home remedies for callus

• Use a pumice stone regularly after soaking your foot or hands in warm water for 10-15 minutes.

• Using moisturising solutions or creams over the hands and feet regularly can help in softening the callus.

• Using skin padding or insoles, or heel pads can help in protecting the callus.

Prevention of callus

• Callus can be easily prevented by wearing the right-sized footwear with enough foot space.
• Using customised soft insoles in the footwear.
• Wearing socks  
• Keeping the foot well moisturised  
• Wear protective gear like padded gloves while handling tools and instruments.
• Regular trimming of toenails.
• Overall good foot hygiene.  

Conclusion

This common yet simple problem that people generally face in their day-to-day lives can be prevented and treated in the simplest manner. Proper care to self-help a long way.

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