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Have you ever noticed hard patches of skin on the soles of your feet? These are called calluses, and sometimes this harder tissue can make walking uncomfortable. Learning more about why these growths develop and what treatment options are available will leave you prepared to take better care of your feet. 

What Are Calluses?

These tough pads form on feet and hands when the outermost layer of the skin gets hard because of repeated friction. This often happens when the heel or ball of the foot slides around in shoes that are too big. Wearing footwear that’s too small can also compress tissue and cause calluses. Foregoing socks can also cause parts of your foot to rub against the inside of your shoe. When wearing socks, make sure to choose the right fit for your foot and shoe size. Otherwise, the seam could pinch against your toes. 

Although these hard bumps can sometimes be painful to walk on, they also provide a layer of protection. If calluses didn’t form, the constant friction could lead to cuts and bloody blisters that could get infected.    

How to Treat Calluses

callusesIf you wear the right size socks and shoes and change other habits that cause friction or place pressure on the affected area of your feet, calluses should go away naturally over time. To expedite the process, you can soak the callus in warm water for 20 minutes. This will soften the hard patch of skin so you can scrub it away. Adding five drops of castor oil to the water will help lubricate your skin so you don’t feel discomfort while scrubbing the callus. 

If the patch starts to bleed or seep fluid, consult a podiatrist immediately. They will prescribe antibiotics to fight an infection and discuss removal methods. This could include placing a patch containing salicylic acid on the callus to help it wear away. They might also use a surgical blade to remove the tissue.

 

If you have calluses, bunions, or any other foot disorder or concern, the professionals at Deer Creek Foot Care in O’Fallon, MO, will provide a treatment to help. These foot doctors have been a trusted source in St. Charles County for custom orthotics, outpatient surgery, and additional solutions to restore patients’ quality of life for over a decade. See how the podiatrists can help online or call (636) 240-1127 for an appointment.  

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