SHARES
“My feet get dry, rough with corns, calluses and cracked heels. I find it disgusting with all the extra dead skin that is just hanging around. Sure, I am embarrassed by my ugly feet at beaches and at “off shoes” occasions. I have tried using lotion a lot but it just didn’t work well. I just can’t get rid of them!” Says 50 year old Dana.
In the case of Dana, the years of neglect rears its ugly head. People would usually take care of their face and hands, but their feet? Very often, they take a beating, people neglect their feet until they fail on them OR problems surface. Like hardened corns, calluses and cracked heels, they may become painful and could turn into an infected ulcer.
What are corns, calluses and cracked heels?
Well, when there is repeated rubbing, friction and pressure on the soles, heels and forefoot, the skin in that area thickens to protect the foot. These are dead skin and form skin lesion called corns or calluses. The calluses can be either hard or soft. Hard calluses in the forefoot can cause discomfort and pain when walking. Worst of all, it can even form a painful ulcer. Soft calluses can form in between the toes and can be a result of infection. Dead skin is not elastic like our living skin, and cracks easily upon stretching. Thankfully, cracked heels are rarely painful.
Have you cared for your foot today?
Tips for foot health
1. Remove thick dead skin
Use pumice stone and mild abrasion to remove dead skin on corns, calluses and cracked heels at home. You can scrape away the dead skin once daily after bath, as dead skin softens with water. Also, garlic extracts in short foot soaks can do the job too. You can pick up a wide range of products from the pharmacy which you can use for breaking down and removal dead skin. In the event calluses or corns cause pain when you go about ordinary day-to-day activities, visit a doctor or podiatrist to remove them. You should expect immediate pain relief.
2. Lotion, creams and self-adhesive pad
Apply lotion and cream such as petroleum jelly every day. Use a self-adhesive pad to effectively reduce the pressure on the affected spot, thinning out the callus.
3. Proper fitting footwear
Choose comfortable fitting shoes with enough space for the toes to wiggle in order to reduce friction and pressure on the foot. Using a soft smooth shoe padding inside would also help. People with diabetic foot or walking gait which causes uneven distribution of pressure and body weight on the feet should visit a podiatrist or doctor. Your podiatrist can identify areas of excessive pressure and custom design insoles to balance it out on your feet.
4. Wear foot sleeves and shoe pads
Silicone-lined sleeves can be worn over the toes or the bony part of your feet to reduce friction between your feet and your shoes. Soft padding made of silicone or soft plastics can be placed at forefoot to relief stress on that skin area.
5. Foot hygiene
Wash your feet and toes everyday with soap and water. Dry your feet after bathing. Fungal infection tends to affect moist and damp skin. Make sure to clean and dry the areas of skin in between your toes completely!
Happy feet, Happy life!
Conclusion
Although corns and calluses on your feet are common, they deserve your close attention to manage it. It pays to cultivate good habits caring for your feet. Should you experience pain or bleeding from the corns and calluses, consult your doctor or podiatrist because keeping your feet happy is a priority. Have Feet will Travel!
Find a Podiatrist in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find a Podiatrist in Singapore, on GetDoc
References:
- Nanette BS. Corns (clavus) treatment and management [Medscape]. WebMD LLC. 2019. [Available from: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1089807-treatment; last updated on 2019 Jan 10; accessed on 2019 April 25.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Corns and calluses [MayoClinic]. MFMER. 2019. [Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355951; last updated on 2018 Mar 9; accessed on 2019 April 25.
by Chang Xian
View all articles by Chang Xian.
