Calluses: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Calluses definition

Calluses or callus is a skin disease in the form of thickening and hardening of the outermost layer of the skin. This condition occurs when your skin frequently rubs against other objects, is subjected to pressure, or is irritated.

Calluses usually appear on the skin that rubs frequently, such as the soles of the feet, toes, fingers, elbows, or knees.

Calluses are generally not harmful to health. However, you may experience pain if the calluses grow too thick. Even improper handling can cause irritation.

How common are calluses?

Calluses are very common at all ages.

This condition is also easier to find in people who often wear high heels, shoes that are too tight or loose, often walk barefoot, and don't wear socks.

Calluses can be treated by knowing what the risk factors are and avoiding them. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Calluses and signs of calluses

Calluses usually appear on areas of the skin that are often rubbed or pressed, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or the surface of the knees. The size is also very diverse.

However, calluses are generally broad, pale yellow in color, and feel hard to the touch. Calluses are also easy to see and touch so that we can recognize symptoms with characteristics:

• the skin feels thick,
• thickened skin feels rough,
• hardened skin,
• when pressed, feels soft on the inside of the skin,
• cracked and dry skin, as well
• sometimes causing pain under the skin.

The pain that appears with calluses is very rare. However, if the pain starts, you should immediately contact the nearest doctor.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When to see a doctor?

Calluses are generally harmless. However, if you find calluses disturbing your appearance and unsightly, you can contact your doctor and undergo a procedure to remove the thickened skin.

If you feel pain or have an infection such as water fleas in the calluses, you should also immediately consult a doctor.

Everyone's body has different ways of working and shows different symptoms. You can consult a doctor to find out what treatment is most appropriate and according to your health condition.

Cause

What causes calluses?

The appearance of calluses can be caused by various things. Generally, the main cause of calluses is the presence of friction or pressure on certain parts of the skin.

Some of the habits that can cause calluses include the following.

1. Using shoes of an unsuitable size

Shoes that are too narrow can put pressure on your foot area, especially if you do physical activity that puts pressure on the skin of your foot.

When pressed, the skin defends itself in a thickened form. This is what can cause calluses on the feet.

Meanwhile, shoes that are too loose will make your feet experience more friction. Too often wearing loose shoes has the potential to result in thickening of skin cells.

2. Do not wear socks

Not wearing socks can also cause your feet to rub against the rough surface of your shoes. In addition, this habit also makes the feet damp, which in turn can trigger bacterial growth.

3. Often wear high heels

For women who often wear high heels everyday, you should reduce this habit. The heel on the shoe can put too much pressure on the heel, so calluses are more likely to appear in that area.

4. Often plays instruments by hand

If you play a musical instrument like the guitar or violin a lot, the calluses on your fingers may be from repeated pressure.

5. Walk barefoot too often

The skin of the feet that is immediately exposed to friction and pressure on the floor or ground will experience faster thickening.

What are the risk factors for calluses?

Calluses are a skin condition that can occur in anyone and people of all ages. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing calluses, from lifestyle to body health.

Listed below are the risk factors for thickening of your skin.

1. Age

Age can be a risk factor. Generally, this condition affects all ages, but thickening of the skin is more common in the elderly over 65 years.

2. Gender

If you are a woman, then you are more likely to experience thickening in certain areas of the skin. A study shows that women are more prone to skin thickening conditions than men.

3. Bunion

A bunion is a lump that forms at the base of your bone, such as a big toe. This is usually caused by wearing shoes that are too tight.

4. Certain diseases

If you have a history of diabetes or artery disease, you may develop calluses.

5. Abnormal leg anatomy

The shape of the feet, especially the anatomy, has a big influence on the formation of calluses on the skin of the feet.

6. Abnormal gait

Having an abnormal gait results in more friction and pressure on the feet, making the skin thickening process easier.

7. Have a certain job

People who have a heavier workload, such as farmers and gardeners, tend to have an easier time getting calluses on their toes and fingers.

Calluses diagnosis and treatment

How do doctors diagnose calluses?

The skin condition of calluses is very easy to identify because of their very pronounced appearance and characteristics. So, generally there is no need for a complicated screening test.

Your doctor will examine your feet and ask about any other symptoms you may have, your medical history, and your daily habits.

If further diagnosis is needed, the doctor will advise you to undergo an X-ray test (X-ray). This way, the doctor can find out if there are any medical conditions that may be the cause of the appearance of calluses on your skin.

How to treat calluses?

This condition can be treated with various types of treatment, depending on how bad the thickening and pain are present.

Usually, the doctor will prescribe a medication for calluses that can help reduce and eliminate the thickening of the skin.

1. Medicines

Some of the drugs that will be given by the doctor usually include the following.

Salicylic acid

Treatment with salicylic acid is the most commonly used method of removing thickened skin. This drug can also be used without a prescription from a doctor.

However, to find out the right dosage for use and according to your skin condition, you should check with your doctor and use the prescription that has been given.

Antibiotics

If an infection occurs due to a thickened skin that doesn't get better, the doctor may prescribe the use of an antibiotic ointment to reduce the symptoms of the infection.

Pain reliever

The infection that appears will usually be accompanied by pain. The doctor will deal with this by giving drugs that can reduce pain in the thickened skin.

2. Operation

If treatment with drugs does not show any changes in the thickened skin, the doctor may recommend a surgical procedure such as the following.

Cutting thickened skin

The surgical doctor will make cuts in the thickened skin. This procedure will usually be done repeatedly to prevent the thickening of the skin from recurring.

Foot orthotics

If you have a history of deformed feet, your doctor will advise you to use a special layer of shoe footwear (orthotics). This is expected to prevent recurring calluses.

Repair of bone structure

In very rare cases, the doctor will perform surgery on the bone to improve walking posture and reduce friction on the skin, thereby reducing the risk of developing calluses.

Home remedies

What are some home remedies for calluses?

In addition to taking medication and carrying out medical treatment, you can also do home remedies to relieve symptoms of calluses.

Treatment with drugs and surgery is important, but by doing self-care at home, the level of effectiveness is higher. You just need to replace old habits with a healthier lifestyle.

Here are some home remedies and lifestyle changes you can make to treat the appearance of thickened skin.

1. Soak feet and hands

Soak the hands and feet affected by calluses in warm water. Use water mixed with antiseptic soap, then soak your hands and feet for 10-15 minutes.

This is done to prevent the growth of bacteria in the thickened area.

2. Rub the skin with a pumice stone

Scrub the calluses with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells.

You can dip the stone in warm water first, then rub it against the skin in a circular or sideways motion. You can also use a special brush scrubbing.

3. Use a moisturizer

After soaking, make sure you always apply a moisturizing product that is of course to moisturize the thickened skin.

However, make sure it is creamy or lotion which is used is specially formulated for the skin of the feet. You can consult a doctor in advance to find out what kind of product is suitable.

3. Wear shoes of the right size

Buy shoes that fit your feet. Don't choose shoes that are too big or too narrow.

Apart from that, you should also do this activity in the afternoon. The condition of your feet is usually bigger at these times, this will avoid you from the risk of buying shoes that are too narrow.

4. Put on the pad

Use a pad to protect the areas where the skin is thickened, especially if you wear high heels every day. You must use this product according to the instructions from your doctor.

5. Avoid cutting or peeling calluses

Do not cut or peel calluses. The tools you use for cutting are not necessarily clean, and improper cutting procedures can lead to bacteria and even infection.

6. Cut nails properly

If you are trimming your nails, cut them straight, not following the original shape of the nails. This aims to prevent the appearance of thickening of the skin in the nail area.

7. Wear socks

When wearing shoes, always try to wear clean socks that are changed every day.

8. Put on powder

Powder talcum very useful for preventing the skin from being too moist and sweating. This is of course useful to avoid the appearance and development of bacteria on the skin of the feet.

If you have any questions, consult a dermatologist for the best solution to your problem.