Calluses | Foot Care Products | Callus Treatment

Calluses (and corns) frequently form on the feet. If you wear improperly fitting shoes or heels very frequently, you are probably susceptible to them. By definition, calluses are parts of the skin or soft tissue that become hard and thick. Construction workers and musicians will often form them on their hands, while office workers and those who spend most days walking and standing will see them form on their feet.

Recommendations: In addition to emphasizing the importance of wearing properly fitted shoes, the doctor will recommend a variety of patches and creams to protect and soften the calluses as they heal.

Wearing Comfortable Shoes and Socks

To protect your feet from forming calluses and irritating them, consider socks and shoes that are designed to deal with this very problem. Healthy Feet Store carries half toe and full toe grip socks and sport socks. These products are breathable, soft and cushioning. Each toe is individually wrapped in fabric to discourage chaffing and friction. A similar approach is used in footwear like the five toed sandals that have fabric that separates the toes. This design will minimize the formation of hard tissue between the toes and help prevent corns.

Gel Cushioning Products

If you find the five toed socks and shoes are too invasive, or if there are certain types of shoes you want to wear that cause corns and calluses to form, explore comfort gel products like gel sleeves, toe separators and callus protectors that can be applied to the foot before putting on your shoes. These products are good preventative measures you can use on occasions that call for certain types of footwear like weddings or work uniforms.

Creams and Ointments

Since calluses are caused by harden skin taking steps to rehydrate your skin will be beneficial. Therapeutic creams and ointments specifically designed for the feet will be able to penetrate the hard skin and moisturize it. A word to the wise: be sure to look for creams that do not contain alcohol as it can dry out the skin even more, doing more damage than good.

Removing Hard Skin

At a certain point moisturizing will not be enough. If the skin is very tough and thick, creams and socks won't be able to benefit you until that barrier is removed. Removal tools for corns and calluses will gently trim the hard skin from your foot. Doctors can also perform skin removal, though for most standard cases, at home tool works just fine. Pumice bars are another useful tool for filing down hard skin. If you have circulation disorders or diabetes, consult with your doctor before using such products. After the hard skin is filed away, you can apply the moisturizer creams.

See a Podiatrist

When calluses and corns become especially painful or chronic, it's time to get a professional opinion. Going without seeking professional advice can lead to health risks that are far more serious. Calluses and corns are very manageable and treatable if you act as quickly as possible. Infected corns, for instance, can be extremely dangerous for those with diabetes. In fact, if you do have a pre-existing condition like diabetes, it is imperative that you see a podiatrist right away for foot ailments no matter how big or how small they may be.