Calluses, calluses and hardening in certain areas of the skin occur in many people and are sometimes perceived as quite unpleasant, because these can lead to painful discomfort if left untreated. Due to calluses, the ability to move can thus be restricted, especially on the feet.
What is callus?
Calluses form especially on those areas of the body that are subject to permanent stress on the skin. These are primarily the insides of the hands and the soles of the feet, as well as the tops of the toes. Cornea, which results from changes in the individual skin layers, has nothing to do with the cornea of the eye. In contrast to the functional cornea of the eye, the cornea on the feet or hands consists of dead skin cells called horny cells. The cornea forms on predestined areas of the body due to various causes. The cornea, popularly known as calluses, becomes painful and extremely sensitive when it has developed into corns in the final stage. The cornea is much firmer and more resistant than the surrounding skin area.
Causes
Calluses form especially on those areas of the body that are subject to permanent stress on the skin. These are primarily the insides of the hands and the soles of the feet, as well as the tops of the toes. Due to the influence of pressure, the upper layers of the skin change at certain points in order to protect the underlying areas from injury. In addition, easily irritated skin layers on the heels or the balls of the feet may be prone to callus formation as a result of constantly applied pressure. The causes of calluses are usually found in everyday conditions, which may include shoes that are too tight, one-sided pressure, and constant exposure to heavy work. This leads to the buildup of a layer of callus.
Diseases with this symptom
- Corn
- Hammertoe
- Obesity
Course and cornea
When the skin is subjected to a constant load pressure, it does not react in every case with abraded skin layers, so blisters do not always appear. Viewed over a long period of time, skin thickenings that are initially barely noticeable gradually form and only cause discomfort over time. In the advanced stage, the corns appear, which are painful and need to be treated. Previously, no pain is noticeable due to the dead corneal cells, because no nerve pathways run in these layers. Only the raised texture and further pressure can irritate underlying skin areas. Hornification of the skin can also be a consequence of scars that are insufficiently cared for. So-called bulge scars develop, which are characterized by a hardened and inelastic skin surface. After the healing of wounds, there is an increased formation of connective tissue, which contributes to the hardening of the scar tissue. The skin areas affected by calluses are usually sensitive to pressure and dry. The dermatologist and the patients themselves usually notice the differences from healthy skin by palpation. Calluses do not always have to cause discomfort.
Complications
Cornea is basically a good and vital thing: the body begins to protect often strained areas. The military, for example, does nothing else with a tank: make yourself invulnerable and you will survive. Meanwhile, a callus can be particularly annoying in the cosmetic field. Models or other people who value their beauty cannot use a cornea because it simply does not look good. Complications related to a callus can occur if it appears in sensitive areas. For example, if you have to work hard with your hands, you will soon have no feeling in your fingers, which in turn will lead to a slackening in your work. On the feet, a callus of severe extent can cause a person to lose the natural shyness to heat. This can also have consequences. The treatment of a callus can be done to a large extent by oneself: There are files and other tools to reduce calluses. There are also bath additives that serve the sole purpose of softening hard skin. Meanwhile, it is best to either see a specialist. However, this is almost impossible in the Germany of health care reform.However, remedies and ointments against calluses are also available on the Internet from a reputable online retailer. Therefore, the cornea should not be a problem for those affected.
When should you go to the doctor?
With cornea, sufferers do not necessarily have to go to the doctor. Here there are various methods for uncomplicated Selbstbdieehandlung. Since calluses occur especially in areas of the body that are exposed to constant pressure or heavy stress, they form mainly on the feet and occasionally on the hands. Calluses develop gradually and many people only become aware of them when they cause discomfort. Foot baths soften the callus and make it easier to file off. Often this is sufficient as its own treatment. Questioning certain habits that promote calluses can also prevent them: for example, different footwear, soft insoles or small pads attached to pressure points. Calluses in the form of corns and calluses should better be entrusted to professionals. The risk of injury from improper self-treatment is too great. The use of medical foot care, also known under the professional title of podiatrist, is certainly worth considering. Of course, a visit to the doctor is also recommended. As a specialist for cornea complaints the dermatologist is considered. He not only knows how to treat the cornea directly, but also knows other possible causes related to it – such as scars, which have an inelastic and hardened surface. If the cornea is particularly strong and complicated to treat, it may be necessary to consult a surgeon.
Treatment and therapy
A variety of treatment-specific options for the appearance of corneas are currently feasible. In addition to medical therapy options, relevant methods are also available within the framework of foot care measures. Calluses can also be treated with special plasters and additional skin padding to slow down their painfulness and new formation. These remedies are simply applied to the skin positions predestined for calluses or placed as small sponges around the toes. There a punctual pressure load is prevented. Pressure points that are prone to callus formation can also be eliminated by surgical intervention. For an extensive expression of clavus, the corneal areas, effective medications can be considered for treatment. An active ingredient known as acitretin has proven to be useful. As part of foot care activities, it is possible to soften partial areas of cornea and then carefully remove them. However, this procedure requires professionalism and experience, but can also be done by patients themselves.
Outlook and prognosis
Since cornea is not a disease in its own right, it is difficult to give a prognosis or outlook on its disease course in this context. Callus is much more a kind of natural effect that occurs when the feet are stressed. Under certain circumstances, however, calluses can also take a rather undesirable course. Namely, if the feet are subjected to excessive stress, there is a risk of chapping. Chapped skin is defined as deep cracks in the skin, which may even become inflamed. If you suffer from dry skin under your feet and an extremely thick layer of callus, these are ideal conditions for chapped feet. If chapped skin is not treated, the cracks become deeper and deeper. In some cases, the open wounds become infected by bacteria, so that inflammation forms. In addition, pus is formed, so a visit to the doctor is essential. With appropriate treatment, however, the formation of fissures can be counteracted very well. This involves the targeted use of medications that provide the skin with sufficient moisture. With treatment or sufficient moisture, chapped skin can thus be prevented from forming in the first place. The callus can also be removed with suitable aids. So that the underlying skin does not dry out, this can be supplied with moisture, for example, creams.
Prevention
Calluses are basically curable and can be avoided by appropriate prevention. This is based on the avoidance of too tight, pressing and rubbing footwear and in a regular foot care. This also includes rubbing the skin over the knuckles of the toes or other areas with caring and moisturizing ointments or creams.This also applies to the insides of the hands. In the case of various metabolic diseases, a constant assessment of the skin is important in order to detect calluses in time.
What you can do yourself
Calluses can be removed painlessly with various home remedies and methods. Especially the removal of calluses with the help of a pumice stone or a foot bath has proven itself. In both cases, the feet can be treated either with hot water or with natural bath additives such as fruit vinegar, tea tree oil or Schuessler salts. Himalayan or sea salt softens the callus and can be used, for example, in preparation for treatment with a callus rasp or electric callus plane. Special creams with urea or salicylic acid support the treatment and help to remove the calluses. Alternatively, lemon slices, pure aloe vera juice or deer tallow ointment have also proven effective. An old method is also the application of warm chamomile packets on the desired skin area. For light calluses, gentle exfoliation with salt or sugar and olive oil also helps. Possible alternatives are wild garlic lotions, shriveled ointment from the pharmacy or blister plasters applied to the callus for 24 hours. Australian tea tree oil can be applied to the cornea several times a day and has a softening and pain-relieving effect on the cornea. Severely hardened calluses should always be professionally removed.
