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Are your feet burning, itching, sore, dry flaky, or painful? If this sounds familiar, these symptoms may be the result of corns, calluses or blisters. Improper fitting shoes are a leading cause of corns, calluses and blisters. It is important to pay close attention to the shoes and socks you are wearing, as to protect your feet from damage and painful ailments. Corns A corn is a small, circular, thickened lesion in the skin of the foot. This is usually due to repeated pressure on the skin, such as the rubbing of a shoe. Different than a callus, a corn has a central core of hard material. If you have a deformity such as a hammertoe, you may suffer from corns because the top of the toes rub against your shoes. If your corn becomes painful, a podiatrist will recommend a treatment option that is most appropriate for you. Seeking treatment is important because if the underlying cause of the corn is not treated or removed, it may return or worsen. Do not try to remove a corn at home or use medicated corn pads, as they may cause a serious infection to occur. Calluses and Blisters A callus is a build-up of hard skin that is usually found on the underside of the foot that is typically caused by pressure and repeated rubbing from a shoe or sock. The constant rubbing creates a callus, or a thick layer of protective skin. Calluses vary in size, and while generally disappear on their own, can become painful if not treated early. If your callus becomes painful, do not perform treatment at home, as it can lead to cuts and infection. Your podiatrist in Northridge can evaluate the cause of your callus and recommend appropriate treatment for your condition. As with corns, if the underlying cause of the callus is not treated or removed, it may return. On the other hand, a blister is a shell on the surface of your skin that often contains a clear liquid. Blisters can form when the skin is repeatedly rubbed, like calluses and corns. When your shoes constantly rub against the same spot on your foot, when you wear shoes that don't properly fit, or when you wear shoes without socks, you can develop a blister. Preventive and Corrective Measures In order to prevent corns, calluses and blisters you can perform the following:
• Wear shoes that fit comfortably and properly
• Wear socks with shoes
• Use foot powder to help keep your feet dry When it comes to blisters, do not break or "pop" the blister. The skin covering the blister helps to protect it from infection. Instead, gently wash the area with mild soap and water or a cleansing towel. Next, apply antibacterial cream to the blister and cover it with gauze to protect the skin and prevent infection. Additionally, make sure you change the dressing regularly and wear different shoes until your blister heals. Do not cut the corn or remove it with a sharp object. This will not help heal your corn, rather it will only make your ailment worse. After taking a bath or shower, use a pumice stone or an emery board to smooth and gently remove the build-up of tissue. Move the emery board or pumice stone in one direction only. Similar to corns, do not try to cut or remove your callus with a sharp object. After a bath or shower, use a pumice stone to gently remove the build-up of tissue just as you would with a corn. Your podiatrist may prescribe medications to soften the calluses and aid in treatment. If you experience a corn, blister or callus, contact your podiatrist in Northridge and Lancaster for further examination. Do not begin self-treatment without consent from your podiatrist, as they will know the best solution for treating your ailments.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Thomas Neuman, a Lancaster and Northridge podiatrist. Dr. Thomas Neuman is a board certified foot surgeon with the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery. Offering an array of services, in treatments and procedures, such as heel pain, orthotics, foot pain and Neuropathy in Lancaster and Northridge, Dr. Neuman is committed to providing quality podiatric care.
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