CALLUSES AND CORNS

If our brain finds that skin is being rubbed too much then it sends help to defend that area. Sometimes fluid comes up under the skin. Calluses are usually looks grayish in color and it feels hard and a bit rough if you touch it with your fingers. Calluses usually find in the hands, fingers, heels and feet. These usually do not cause any pain.

Corn is also an area of hard, tough skin. But, it has a center of grey hard skin and a circle around it of soft yellowish skin.You can get corns on the top of, or in between your toes, where shoes have been rubbing or pressing the toes together. Some people may get corns on the sides of their thumbs or fingers. Most of the people who get corns are adults and it can be painful.

TREATMENT

If you do want to get rid of a callus then you can:

• Soak it in warm, soapy water until it feels softer.
• Rub it with a pumice stone to rub off the thickened skin and you may need to do this several times.
• If the callus is very thick, don’t try rubbing it all off at once as you could damage your skin. In fact it’s better to get an adult to help you.
• You can get special pads to fit under the foot which will help if you have hard calluses on the sole of your foot.
• You can use a special cream or balm to soften hard skin.

Corns can be quite painful so most people want to get rid of them.

• You can get rid of corns by getting a special corn plaster from the chemist. Get the chemist to tell you how to use them or follow the instructions on the packet carefully.
• You can get special pads which will protect the corn from being rubbed. This makes them more comfortable.
• If you are having problems with corns or calluses then see your doctor or a special foot specialist called a podiatrist.

PREVENTION

The blistered area will heal by itself if it is kept clean and dry, and the rubbing stops. Cover it with a dressing to protect it if you need to wear shoes that rub on it.

You can also do the following to avoid calluses and corns 

• You wear shoes which fit well and don’t squash your toes or rub your heels.
• Buy shoes later in the day when your feet have swollen a bit from all the work they’ve been doing carrying you around so the shoes are not too tight.
• Wear batting gloves which are designed for the sport you are playing and wear them when you are practising too.
• Wear work gloves if you are working around the garden.
• Use special palm protectors if you are doing gymnastics.
• Some athletes use sticky dressings or bandages to protect their hands and give them a better grip.