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Pielęgnacja skóry

Corn removal

Calluses

Callus is a toughened area of skin hyperkeratosis - a skin condition characterized by excessive development of keratin. It is usually found on the sole of the foot, under one of the metatarsal bones' heads and on the heel. Sometimes it happens, that calluses develop a deep seated "core", known as a nucleation. This type of callus can be exquisitely painful and sensitive to pressure.

Symptoms:

  • a hard growth, usually on the ball of the foot
  • pain on weight bearing, relieved by rest
  • increased discomfort in thin soled and high heeled shoes
  • more common in women than men

Causes:

  • wearing high-heeled shoes
  • malalignment of the metatarsal bones
  • abnormalities of gait
  • flat feet and high arched feet
  • excessively long metatarsal bone
  • obesity

Prevention:

  • avoiding high-heeled shoes
  • buying shoes with a good arch and shock absorbing rubber sole
  • using insoles, which absorb shear forces inside the shoe
  • keeping skin moist and supple with regular application of a moisturiser
  • using a pumice stone or other abrasive to reduce the thickness of the callus
  • protecting the area around the callus to relieve pressure

Treatment

The treatment of calluses involves regular scraping and/or trimming the build-up of hard tissue and everyday use of a pumice after a bath. However, these may only just temporarily relieve the pain, if the source of pressure is not eliminated. Correct redistribution of body weight and protection against regrowth of calluses may be obtained by using proper insoles. Also orthotics, used in patients with problems that interfere with their health and functioning, may turn to be necessary in the healing process. In cases of calluses which are difficult to heal, a doctor may perform a surgical procedure removing the painful lesion.

CORN (clavus)

cornThis a hyperkeratosis (excessive thickening) of the surface layer of the skin in response to pressure. Corns usually form on the toes, where the bone is prominent and presses the skin against the shoe, ground, or other bones. As a corn becomes thick, the tissues under the corn are subject to increased irritation. It happens, that the horny layer, unable to separate, causes that a deep seated nucleation develops, which is like a core, where the corn is thickest and most painful. If corns become inflamed, there is pain and sometimes itching and redness. The most common places where corns form are the top surface of the toe, at the tip of the toe and between the toes.

Symptoms:

  • horny mass of hyperkeratosis on the skin of the toes with a hard central core
  • pain on direct pressure against the corn
  • sometimes redness and itching around the corn, with severe discomfort
  • increased discomfort in tight fitting shoes (more common in women)

Causes:

  • (too) tight fitting shoes
  • deformed and crooked toes
  • tight socks and tights
  • seam or stitch inside the shoe which rubs against the toe
  • sometimes a shoe which is too loose, with the foot sliding forward with each step
  • prolonged walking on a downward slope

Prevention:

  • avoiding shoes which are too tight or too loose
  • wearing shoes with an extra depth toe box (the part of the shoe over the toes)
  • avoiding too tight-fitting socks or tights
  • using a pumice stone or other abrasive to reduce the thickness of the clavus
  • applying a non-medicated pad around the corn in order to relieve pressure

Treatment

The treatment involves careful debridement (paring down) of the corn. However, these may only just temporarily relieve the pain, if the source of pressure is not eliminated. Corns which are difficult to heal may be removed surgically.