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What is a callus and how can you heal it?

2007-02-03 15:01:36 · 3 answers · asked by Kaylin 4 in Health Diseases & Conditions Skin Conditions

3 answers

A callus is an especially toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard as a response to repeated contact or pressure. ISince repeated contact is required, calluses are most often found on hands or feet. Calluses are generally not harmful, but may sometimes lead to other problems, such as infection. Shoes that fit tightly can often produce calluses on the feet. String instrument players develop calluses where their fingers make contact with the strings, but these calluses are often desirable as they help alleviate the pain from the tension of the strings and make playing easier.

A common method, often done by a podiatrist, is to shave the calluses down, and perhaps pad them.[citation needed]

For calluses on the feet an inexpensive home remedy is to dissolve a foot soap powder composed of borax, iodine and bran in warm water and soak the feet in the water for 15 to 20 minutes. This softens the calluses so that layers of dead skin can be rubbed away with a cloth towel. Repeated soaking over a period of several days can often allow removal of even the core with nothing more than the friction of the cloth towel. If this fails, 40 grit sandpaper can also remove the skin.

Most corns and calluses located under the foot are caused by the pressure of the foot's bones pressing against the skin, possibly preventing it from moving with the shoe or the ground. While well-fitting shoes will help some of these problems, occasionally some other degree of intervention is required to completely rid the foot of the problem. The most basic treatment is to put a friction-reducing insole or material into the shoe, or against the foot. In some cases, this will reduce the painfulness without actually making the callus go away.

In many situations, a change in the function of the foot by use of an orthotic device is required. This reduces friction and pressure, allowing the skin to rest and to stop forming protective skin coverings.

Salicylic acid (0.5%-40%) can be used for two reasons, "(1) it decreases keratinocyte adhesion, and (2) it increases water binding which leads to hydration of the keratin."

Using a knife to cut it away is dangerous because it can result in bleeding of the foot and infection.

At other times, surgical correction of the pressure is needed.

2007-02-03 15:06:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2 0

A thickening of or a hard thickened area on the skin

Silicone Metatarsal Insoles
FootSmart Felt Callus Cushions
Podiatrist's Secret Callus Treatment Cream

2007-02-03 15:35:24 · answer #2 · answered by Cutie 4 · 1 0

I've actually heard that putting duct tape on it for a few days will dry it out, and completely remove it. I'm not 100 % positive it works, but try researching on google about it! Try key words like "removing calluses without products " or "how to remove calluses" i promise you alot of stuff will come up!

2016-05-24 01:25:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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