Corns and Calluses

Corns or calluses are areas of thick, hardened, dead skin. Prolonged pressure or friction on the feet or hands can cause patches of hard skin—corns or calluses—to form. Corns tend to develop over the toe joints or between toes, often as a result of badly fitting shoes. Calluses may occur on the soles, usually due to uneven pressure when walking, or on hands due to heavy manual work or playing a musical instrument. Corns and calluses protect the soft tissue beneath, so is not needed to remove unless they are painful.

Symptoms

Corns

• Dead skin cells build up causing pain and discomfort.
• A small raised bump that have hard center surrounded by inflamed skin.
• Tend to develop on parts of feet that don’t bear weight, such as the tops and sides of your toes.
• The affected area looks yellow.
• Can be painful when pressed.

Calluses

• A rough patch of the skin develops, especially under the heels, on palms, or on knees.
• Skin becomes hard, thick, and raised.
• Usually appear on the feet, hands, or knees.
• Rarely painful and often larger than corns.

Home Remedies for Corns & Calluses

• Pumice stone: Try using pumice stone to soften and rub away excess skin. Soak the corn or callus in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes each day, then use a pumice stone to gently rub away the hard skin.
• Lemon and chamomile: Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of dried chamomile tea then add one crushed garlic clove. Rub this mixture directly on the corn once or twice a day.
• Aloe vera: Make a paste made by 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel with half teaspoon of turmeric and apply this paste to the affected area. Bandage overnight and next morning soak in warm water for 10 minutes. Then massage gently with mustard oil. Repeat this treatment for 7 days. Since turmeric can stain skin and clothing put on an pair of socks after application. Aloe vera is an effective skin softener.
• Papaya or pineapple: Apply half teaspoon of raw papaya thrice daily. These fruit contain enzymes that break down skin growths.
• Lemon: Tie a fresh slice of lemon over the painful area at night and allowed to remain there the whole night.
• Chalk: A small piece of chalk may be ground into a paste with water and applied over the affected area.
• Calendula: Apply calendula salve two or three times a day. It helps soften skin and prevent inflammation.
• Liquorice: A paste made by grinding three or four liquorice sticks and mixing it with half a teaspoon of sesame oil or mustard oil should be rubbed into the hardened skin at bedtime. The skin gradually softens and the corn decreases in size.

Do’s for Corns & Calluses

• Soak your feet in hot water daily for 20 minutes before going to bed. This will help foot circulation and is also relaxing for the whole body.
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly.
• Wear padded gloves when using tools or machinery.
• While playing a stringed instrument, put adhesive bandages on fingertips for protection.
• Use moisturizer regularly to keep skin soft.

Don’ts for Corns & Calluses

• Avoid high heels, tight, and pointed shoes.
• Never cut or shave corns yourself.

See Doctor

• Have diabetes.
• Corn or callus does not disappear with self-help measures.
• Skin is becoming painful, red, swollen, or weepy, or an ulcer develops.

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