Corns and calluses are areas of the skin that are thick and hardened. Although corns and calluses can form anywhere on the body, they usually attack the feet, hands, and fingers. Unlike a callus, the cone-shaped bumps on the skin are often relatively small and round. Calluses are not only larger but also come with an irregular shape that spreads out. Coral Springs corns and calluses form due to constant friction, irritation, rubbing, and pressurizing of the skin. That is why you are most likely to find thick and hardened skin on the hands and feet. The hardened layers of the skin are the body’s way of safeguarding the deep skin layers against irritation and pressure.

You have a higher possibility of developing corns or calluses if you have a health condition that may cause misalignment of bones in your feet or hands. Some common medical issues are arthritis, bunions, rotated toe, and osteophyte. Also, you are at more risk of getting thick, hardened skin layers when you wear narrow shoes, walk without socks, and regularly smoke.

You should go for a diagnosis of corns and calluses so that your doctor ensures you do not have warts or cysts. Also, without diagnosis and treatment of corns and calluses, they may worsen and cause a severe infection that makes it difficult for you to walk and requires surgery.

Consequently, below are ways you can prevent corns and calluses.

• Trim nails

Nails that are excessively long often force your feet to shift to abnormal and uncomfortable positions. As a result, more friction will trigger the formation of corns and calluses.

Therefore, ensure you trim your toenails and that the trimming happens correctly. Cut your nails short and straight, which can help avoid an ingrown nail.

• Wear comfortable shoes

The shoes that you wear should provide comfort to your toes. Enough space inside the shoes is vital, so your toes can freely maneuver without rubbing against the shoe or each other.

Avoid wearing high heels that cause your toes to go forward, encouraging them to rub against your shoe or each other.

Use custom-made orthotics. Those are shoe inserts to help improve, support, or properly align foot posture and treat an existing foot condition.

• Wear socks

The socks that you wear with your footwear should be thick and breathable. That is essential for reducing friction by safeguarding your feet and toenails from rubbing against your shoes.

Also, remember that when you walk, especially barefoot, without socks, the skin underneath your feet naturally becomes thicker for its protection, which can lead to corns and calluses.

• Shoe pads and insoles

If you have a history of corns and calluses or notice your feet rubbing against your shoes, consult your doctor about the insoles to use.

Shoe pads enable even distribution of pressure at the bottom of the feet and help prevent the occurrence of corns and calluses. Use lamb’s wool on the surface or between your toes to discourage friction.

• Monitor your foot

Constantly monitor the health and condition of your feet, especially when you have medical conditions like bunions and bone spurs that may increase the risk of corns and calluses.

Always clean, dry, and moisturize your feet.

Contact Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, today to schedule an appointment with a corns and calluses specialist.