Horny Foot: How to Treat Calluses?

What are call horns and calluses?

Corns are small areas of thickened skin that consist of an inverted cone-shaped nucleus and tip. They are usually on the toes and on the outer side of the small toe for hard corns and between toes for soft corns. When the dead skin begins to sink, they can quickly become very painful.

The calluses also correspond to a zone of thickened skin, more extensive nevertheless than that of the corns. They are also shallower and mostly hard and yellowish. They are found on the underside of the foot, on the pressure zones of the foot just behind the toes.

They sometimes cause discomfort and can become unpleasant over time.

What are the causes of calluses?

Calluses are usually caused by repeated rubbing, excessive pressure on certain areas of the foot or prolonged walking which, by stimulating the production of keratin, produce a thickening of the skin.

The risk factors are numerous, especially those related to deformed feet or toes: hallux valgus or "onion", Egyptian foot, big toes, flat feet, hollow feet ...

People with thin or fragile skin, older people and athletes are also more likely to be affected than others.

Finally, the wearing of shoes with heels or narrow shoes plays a role in the appearance of calluses, as well as a lack of care (lack of hydration, exfoliation or use of pumice). It is therefore important to pay attention to the environment of the foot and its hygiene to prevent these callosities and no longer having to eliminate them.

How to treat them yourself?

It is rather easy to mechanically get rid of calluses at home. It can be softened by foot bathing in warm salt water, then rubbed with pumice, before applying a moisturizer to the entire foot. To renew daily for a week.

It is also possible to opt for two to three times a week for a homemade foot scrub consisting of a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of brown sugar...

Many curative treatments such as creams, plasters or dressings are also available for sale in pharmacies, drugstores, and supermarkets.

Can essential oils help?

To eliminate calluses on the uninjured skin, it is possible to apply 3 drops of tea tree essential oil (HE) twice a day. A mixture consisting of a drop of tea tree essential oil, a drop of can HE, a drop of laurel HE and a drop of clove EO can also be used in use external.

It is best to consult a health professional who specializes in aromatherapy before using essential oils.

Tea tree essential oils have contraindications and are particularly discouraged for pregnant women (first trimester) or breastfeeding and children under 7 years.

Should we consult a professional?

It is advisable to go quickly to your general practitioner if you have diabetes, circulatory disorders or irritation or pain.

It is always advisable to go there to take his advice, especially if the symptoms persist, and to be directed if necessary to a pedicure-chiropodist.

This professional will be able to proceed with the removal of calluses, advise us wearing "Foot Corn Removal pads" or orthopedic insoles and send us, always, if necessary, consult an orthopedic surgeon.