TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT CALLUSES AND CORNS

03 August, 2021

Are you embarrassed by your feet? Even when it’s summertime, you might keep your socks on around others to hide your cracked heels, calluses, or corns. If you notice these skin conditions, you don’t need to panic—they aren’t contagious, and rarely lead to further complications; they can be managed with a few preventative care tips.

Are you dealing with nagging foot pain? Taking action now can reduce your discomfort.
Calluses and corns make it difficult to walk without pain. Both of these skin concerns develop from friction, irritation, and pressure. What can you do to stop corns and calluses from forming?

 

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CALLUSES & CORNS

It’s tough to determine how to prevent foot problems if you don’t know what causes them in the first place. Understanding what ails your feet can help you treat common or reoccurring issues. We’re going to start by defining each of these skin conditions: 

• Calluses: This is the hard white or yellow skin on the bottom of your feet. You’ll notice that these areas feel harder and thicker than regular skin. They tend to form on areas of the foot like your heels or soles. Touching them may not cause pain, but it can be uncomfortable to stand on them for long periods of time.

• Corns: These form as small, hard lumps on the toes, between the toes, or on the sides of the feet. It’s less common for them to appear in areas that bear weight (like your heels), but it’s possible. Corns have a rounded shape and a hard or soft center. Unlike calluses, they typically cause pain when you press them.

Poorly fitting shoes, walking barefoot, or a lack of care can lead to calluses and corns. Despite the differences between these skin conditions, you can treat both in similar ways. Here’s how:
 

USE EFFECTIVE FOOT CARE PRODUCTS

An at-home pedicure is a great way to keep calluses and corns at bay. Start by soaking your foot in a hydrating foot soak. Soak for 5-10 minutes or less than 5 minutes if diabetic.  Then, apply the Ultimate At Home Foot Care Combo  that makes exfoliation of hard, callused skin fast and easy, leaving feet feeling smooth and revitalized.

Footlogix® Callus Softener is a non-aggressive formula that softens dry, rough cracked and callused feet. Spray and allow it to penetrate for about 3-5 minutes until the skin is no longer wet but slightly tacky. 

Use the double-sided foot file to safely exfoliate callused feet. Begin with the coarse side and finish with the fine side to smooth the skin. The foot file can be used multi-directionally and will never shred your skin!  

After exfoliating the dead skin, follow up by applying a deep moisturizer. Use  a lightweight mousse formula  that will help hydrate and restore dry skin to a healthy state.

Use Callus Softener weekly to reduce calluses. Depending on how deep or large your calluses and corns are, you might need to practice this routine for several weeks - and make sure to always keep your feet moisturized!
 

WEAR PROPERLY SIZED SHOES

Despite your best efforts, you’ll still develop foot issues if your shoes fit improperly. It’s tough to get rid of a beloved pair of shoes that you’ve outgrown, but doing so is best for the health of your feet. Is fashion worth the discomfort of feet that are always sore? Probably not.
You might need insoles with extra padding for additional support. Some extra cushioning can lend your feet the cushioning they need. Even if you know your shoe size, it might be best to purchase one size up so that your feet have extra room.

Finally, remember to trim your toenails! If they stick out too far, they might create pressure at the front and back of your foot. Cut your toenails straight across and disinfect your clippers after each use. These steps help you prevent ingrown nails and infections.

Shoes are something you wear all day long. It’s worth it to invest in a high-quality pair—you’ll notice the difference every day!

BUY PROTECTIVE SOCKS

Some call it a fashion sin to wear socks with sandals, but doing so can protect your feet from calluses and corns. When you wear socks, the fabric can protect the skin of your feet from abrasive shoes or surfaces.

Of course, it’s not as easy to wear thick socks in the summer heat; excessive moisture could lead to other skin issues. Look for fabric that’s breathable yet still offers some protection.
 

SEE A PEDORTHIST OR PODIATRIST

To treat corns and calluses on feet that keep coming back, it might be worth scheduling an appointment with your local foot expert. Skin conditions caused by a misaligned bone or improper walk can be treated with orthotic devices.

If you’re having trouble determining why your calluses won’t clear up, a foot specialist can help. They can assess your shoes, socks, and general lifestyle to determine how you can diminish your skin issues. Your pain may be due to a foot wart, which a professional podiatrist can help with, as well.

 

Left untreated, calluses and corns can get worse and become daily inconveniences. They could lead to further complications if you have poor foot circulation, blood flow, or diabetes. Using the above tips, you can prevent these skin conditions from developing.

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