French pharmacy
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French pharmacy
What are calluses and how do they form?
A callus is an area of skin that becomes thick and hard in response to repeated rubbing, pressure or other irritation. They usually develop on the feet, particularly on the toes, heels or soles, but can also appear on the hands or other parts of the body subjected to friction. Callus formation is a protective reaction of the skin to minimize tissue damage under continuous pressure.
What are the symptoms and signs of calluses?
Calluses appear as thickened, hardened and sometimes yellowish areas of skin. Although not usually painful, they can become uncomfortable if they become too thick or if they exert pressure on underlying structures. In some cases, they can make walking difficult or painful.
Who is most at risk of developing calluses?
Anyone exposed to repeated rubbing or pressure can develop calluses. This includes, but is not limited to, athletes, people whose jobs require standing for long periods, and those who frequently wear ill-fitting shoes. People with foot deformities, such as bunions, are also more likely to develop calluses.
How can calluses be treated and prevented?
Callus treatment involves several strategies aimed at reducing pressure and friction. The use of well-fitting, comfortable footwear is essential. Orthopedic insoles can help redistribute pressure on the foot. For existing calluses, salicylic acid-based keratolytic creams can help soften and reduce skin thickness. In some cases, a podiatrist can remove them by professional debridement. Calluses can be prevented by choosing appropriate footwear, using protective footwear such as gel pads, and maintaining good foot hygiene.
When should I consult a healthcare professional about calluses?
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if calluses become painful, if they become infected, or if they interfere with walking or daily activities. People with diabetes or circulatory problems should be particularly vigilant, and consult a specialist regularly for foot care.
What's the difference between calluses and corns?
Although often confused, calluses and corns have distinct characteristics. Calluses are thickened areas of skin that generally form on parts of the foot subjected to friction or pressure, such as the heels or soles. They are generally larger and less well-defined. Corns, on the other hand, are smaller areas of hardened skin, often surrounded by an area of inflamed skin, and usually form on non-weight-bearing areas of the foot or between the toes. Corns can be more painful than calluses due to their central core, which exerts pressure on nerve endings.
Can calluses indicate another health problem?
In some cases, the development of calluses can signal other underlying health problems, such as posture disorders, foot deformities (flat foot, bunion, etc.), or even metabolic disorders such as diabetes, which can affect skin quality and increase the risk of complications. If calluses appear for no apparent reason or are accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out these conditions.
Are there any effective home remedies for calluses?
Several home remedies can help relieve calluses. For example, soaking feet in warm water with baking soda or Epsom salt can soften thick skin, making it easier to gently exfoliate with a pumice stone or foot file. Regular application of moisturizers, such as urea or lactic acid creams, can also help keep skin supple and prevent thickening. However, it's important to use these methods with caution, especially for people with sensitive skin or medical conditions such as diabetes.
Can I wear high heels if I have calluses?
Wearing high heels can exert extra pressure on certain parts of the foot, exacerbating existing calluses or encouraging their formation. If wearing heels is essential, choosing well-fitting models with good arch support, and limiting their wear to short periods, can help reduce the risk. Using specific protective pads for high heels can also provide a barrier against excessive friction.
Is surgery an option for callus removal?
Surgery is generally not recommended for the treatment of calluses, as they are the result of external friction and pressure which, if left unmodified, are likely to lead to the reappearance of calluses after surgery. In very specific cases, where calluses result from bony deformities, surgery to correct these deformities may be considered. However, this approach is reserved for cases where other treatment methods have failed and the patient's quality of life is significantly affected.
