Calluses are hard and rough areas of the skin that can develop on the hands, feet or any areas where there is a repeated friction even on the chin. A common callus usually happens when is significant rubbing against the hands or feet. A plantar callus develops in the base of the feet.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhpYjOQu8LM” width=”220″]Calluses on the hands and feet develop due to dry skin and due to daily friction in one area of the skin.
Causes of calluses
Some calluses that develop on the feet are caused by improper way of walking, but it can also be caused by ill-fitting shoes. Women wearing high heeled shoes can eventually develop callus due to significant pressure placed on the toe. Development of calluses can also be due to deformities of the foot, wearing sandals or shoes without socks which subjects the feet to constant friction.
If the development of a callus has no clear source of pressure, it can be a wart or a foreign body such as a splinter that is trapped under the skin. In such cases, it is best to seek medical help immediately.
Symptoms
- A patch of compact dead skin found anywhere in the body that os subject to friction.
- A plantar callus that develops on the bottom or surface of the foot.
Treatment
- Soak the hands, feet or elbows in warm or hot water for at least 10 minutes. Epsom salts, tea and bath oils can be added to the water to soften the skin. Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to the warm water if the callus is harsh. Avoid adding vinegar to the water if the individual has diabetes or poor circulation.
- Scrub the calluses on the feet and hands using a pumice stone or foot file for at least 5 minutes. If there is pain after removing the layers of skin, stop the scrubbing.
- Wash off all the dead skin and pat dry and apply lotion on the hands and feet. Apply a thick lotion for the feet and hands which helps retain extra moisture on the skin. Before going to bed at night, put on socks or gloves to retain the moisture in the skin. Repeat this process every weekend.
- Aspirin can also be used to soften the calluses. Crush 5 or 6 tablets of aspirin and mix with ½ teaspoon or 3 g of lemon juice and a few drops of water. Mix well until it becomes the consistency of a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area. Wrap with a warm towel and cover it using a plastic bag. Leave it covered for at least 10 minutes and then remove and scrape off the calluses using a pumice stone.
- In a basin filled with warm water, mix 3 tablespoon of baking soda until it is totally dissolved and then soak the affected area in the mixture. The warm water soak loosens the dead skin and promotes fast healing of the condition.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callus
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172459.php
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946