Calluses on feet – how they differ from corns, why they form and home remedies for treatment

In the last article we touched on the problem of corns on the feet and mentioned that they are slightly different from calluses. And while calluses and corns, on the whole, belong to the same group of unpleasant and unwanted growths on our feet, it is worth knowing how they differ and how to remove them in advance so that they do not cause discomfort. In this article we will tell you how to do it!

What are calluses?

Calluses are calluses or thickenings that form on the skin of the foot (but also on the hands). They are most often light yellow in color. Calluses are not a very annoying form of foot deformity, but they can cause discomfort, especially if you do a lot of exercise, walk, work standing up, or wear ill-fitting footwear. Unlike corns, however, they do not cause pain, but rather, if anything, a slight burning sensation. Of course, such altered epidermis is not very aesthetically pleasing, which can cause psychological discomfort, especially in summer, for example.

How is a callus formed on the foot?

Calluses, contrary to appearances, are simply the body’s defensive response to epidermal abrasions. Under heavy and regular pressure, more keratinized epidermis is formed in one place to defend that piece of skin from pressure. In addition to this, there is reduced blood flow at the site of pressure, and therefore less nutrients. The epidermis, instead of peeling off will keratinize and , “grow” forming a callus.

As we have already written, the callus itself is not necessarily dangerous, but if we ignore the causes of its formation for a long time, it can lead to more serious skin changes that will cause more problems and pain.

Calluses – causes of formation

The causes of calluses can be many, from mechanical through other accompanying conditions or simply conditions of the body. These include:

• wearing shoes that are too tight, ill-fitting, which constantly rub themselves on, for example, the toes, heel, sides,
• frequent wearing of shoes with heels,
• obesity (body weight increases pressure on the feet),
• pregnancy, where, in addition to increased body weight, we are accompanied by unevenly distributed weight
• postural defects such as scoliosis, flat feet and others,
• cardiovascular diseases,
• diabetes,
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• hypothyroidism,
• tendency to dry skin (or poor foot hygiene, so that the epidermis does not have enough nutrients).

As you can see, the causes of calluses can be really many, but in most cases it is enough to take proper care of the skin or eliminate the cause, so that inflammation does not occur so often.

Calluses versus corns and calluses – what are the differences?

In the press, on the Internet and other mass media sources you can find various terms – calluses, corns, corns and you would probably find some more. So how do they differ from each other?

1. Corns is a general term for all thickening or deformation of the epidermis, so it includes both corns and calluses.
2. Corns are hard growths, more often found in the toe area, which also have a nucleus or otherwise core, poking deep into the skin. They definitely cause more painful discomfort when moving around. Calluses have a characteristic white spot in the center of the growth.
3. Calluses are most often formed on the soles of the feet, have no core, are soft and have an oval shape. They are also most often creamy yellow in color.

If left untreated and ignored, a callus can develop into a painful corns, so it is worth reacting in advance.

Is surgical treatment necessary?

For the initial condition of callus formation, home remedies and elimination of the causes are definitely enough. This is more of an initial inflammation of the epidermis. The case is different when a lot of calluses form on our foot or quickly develop into corns. A podiatrist can usually check whether our case is suitable for surgical treatment. The specialist then performs a procedure to cut out the calluses, but it is worth remembering that this will not magically make them never come back. The most important thing here is proper prevention and foot hygiene. It’s also worth consulting a dermatologist, who will prescribe stronger medications designed to soften or exfoliate the epidermis in the problem area.

How to remove calluses and corns with home remedies

As with corns, there are a few simple ways you can prevent calluses, but also get rid of them before they develop.

1. The first effective way is to soak your feet in warm water with baking soda. It softens the epidermis and allows you to remove the callus more easily with tools like a milling machine (rest assured, not the construction one). For calluses this time we advise against pumice stone, because strong friction can accelerate keratinization of the epidermis.
2. After such treatment, it’s a good idea to use softening and moisturizing creams. It is crucial that such creams contain salicylic acid, urea, lactic acid. These agents are responsible for softening the epidermis and slowing down its keratinization.
3. Wear good shoes! Even the best creams won’t help if you keep making the same mistakes, walking around in shoes that put pressure on you, rubbing and pinching you. If your foot is often riddled with calluses, be sure to try minimalist footwear that will give it 100% freedom. Calluses and corns will be a thing of the past.
4. Of course, it is also crucial to take care of hygiene and strive for healthy skin, so the epidermis will be less likely to deform.

Remember not to remove a callus by force and not to hurt yourself in the name of, for example, looking beautiful on vacation. If the callus develops into a corns, and the calluses themselves become ugly and grow larger over time – definitely see a specialist,

Barefoot footwear that will let you say goodbye to calluses forever!

As we mentioned, one of the most effective ways to get rid of the problem of calluses, is to change footwear. At this point we can without hesitation invite you to check out our barefoot shoes, because they are:

• Completely flat (zero drop) – they will allow you to maintain the correct posture
• Breathable and very lightweight – you won’t feel you have them on your feet
• Incredibly flexible – your foot can finally work naturally
• Wide at the toe – the shoes will not put pressure on your toes or squish them
• Thin, abrasion-resistant sole – maximum sensory feel and extra acupressure
• Top quality materials – the shoes will last a long time
• Fully functional shoes – you will shed the weight of uncomfortable, hard shoes

We have shoes for women, men and children. You will also find various accessories to help you train your foot and fight other deformities.