Page 44 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

42 COMMON CONDITIONS: SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS

Corns and calluses

Prolonged pressure or friction on the feet or hands can cause patches
of hard skin – corns or calluses – to form. Corns tend to develop over
the toe joints or between toes, often as a result of badly fitting shoes.
Calluses may occur on the soles of your feet, usually due to uneven
pressure when walking, or on your hands if you do heavy manual work
or play a musical instrument. Corns and calluses protect the soft skin
beneath, so you may not need to remove them unless they are painful. Corn on toe joint

See your doctor
DRUG REMEDIES
or podiatrist first
Make an appointment to see your doctor or Corn and blister bandages (see
a podiatrist if you have corns and calluses p.180) contain a substance that absorbs moisture
and you also have diabetes or suffer from released by the skin. This forms a gel that cushions
poor circulation. the area and also softens the skin so that the corn
or callus can be removed easily.
Salicylic acid gels, lotions, or ointments
What you can do yourself (see p.188) can be used to soften calluses and corns,
making them easier to remove. Products containing
First find out what has caused the corn or callus, salicylic acid may burn surrounding skin, so apply
because it will be easier to treat once the source them with care and follow the instructions carefully.
of friction has been removed. Take the following Alternatively, use corn pads, which apply salicylic
steps to relieve the problem. acid directly to the corn.
Moisturizers (see p.187) soften the skin,
● Use a foam wedge to relieve pressure on corns
so calluses are less likely to develop. Apply water-
between the toes, and corn pads (small rings based cream or emulsifying ointment to the hands
of sponge) to protect corns in other areas. Corn and feet after washing and during the day.
and blister bandages will help to cushion
and soften the skin (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
● Soak the corn or callus in warm, soapy water
PREVENTION
for 10 minutes each day, then use a pumice stone
to gently rub away the hard skin.
Preventing corns and calluses
● Never cut or shave corns yourself. Instead, you The following measures will help protect your hands
can apply salicylic acid to soften the thickened skin and feet from friction and pressure.
gradually (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). ● Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly. Avoid
high heels and pointed shoes. Make sure worn-down
soles and heels are repaired promptly.
● If your soles are prone to calluses, cushion
Seek further medical advice
them with corn and blister bandages (see DRUG
Arrange to see your doctor if: REMEDIES, above) or padding inside your shoe.
● Use a moisturizer regularly to keep your skin
● Your corn or callus does not disappear
soft (see DRUG REMEDIES, above).
with self-help measures ● Wear padded gloves when using tools or machinery.
● The skin is becoming painful, red, swollen, ● If you play a stringed instrument, it may help to put
or weepy, or an ulcer develops adhesive bandages on your fingertips for protection.