Calluses and Corns, a Guide

Feet allow us to move, grow and deal with everyday life. They are the, mobile, roots that connect us to the ground. For all these reasons we should care for our feet continuously.
Calluses and corns are frequent ailments, often caused by bad habits in terms of posture or footwear that can have negative effects on both our feet and our overall health. Here is some useful foot care advice.

Calluses and corns, the cause

Calluses and corns are superficial lesions of the skin that often form on the sole of the foot or between toes. They appear as areas of thickened epidermis and are a natural response of the skin to prevent even deeper lesions. They can occur on dry, rough or fragile skin or due to prolonged rubbing with uncomfortable shoes. If not adequately treated calluses and corns may degenerate into ulcers, blisters or infections over the long term. They generally appear on the sole of the foot due to the constant pressure experienced by this part of the body.

Calluses are round and have a darker colour

As a rule, calluses tend to be round, similar to a disc, and have a yellowish colour. In some cases, partly due to the hardening of the outermost layer of skin, they are asymptomatic and may even be painless. But that is not usually the case: when calluses form on delicate areas of the foot, such as between toes or on the plantar surface, they may cause pain, discomfort and even interfere with good posture.

Corns are larger and less painful

Unlike calluses, when corns appear on feet they are larger and de-localised with milder symptoms. They mainly form under the sole of the foot and, in case of prolonged rubbing, may become irritated leading to a sense of burning and pain.

Treating calluses and corns

A variety of options are available for the treatment of foot ailments, including moisturising creams and protective plasters.Products specifically designed for calluses include callus protection plasters, which protect the lesion from rubbing, while callus removal plasters can also be applied to corns. Besides defending and isolating the lesion, these products can also promote the healing of the skin thanks to the effect of exfoliating agents, like salicylic acid or urea.