Callus (Hard Skin) Treatments

Calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. They typically form on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands, where the skin is subjected to continuous stress. While calluses serve as a protective barrier, they can become uncomfortable and even painful if left untreated. Fortunately, effective treatment options are available to relieve discomfort and prevent recurrence.

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​Which Appointment Do I Need? - Medical Pedicure or our Advanced Medical Pedicure

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What Are Calluses?

Calluses (Hyperkeratosis) are a natural response to pressure and friction, often resulting from

ill-fitting footwear, repetitive activities, or foot deformities. Unlike corns, which penetrate deeper

into the dermis, calluses remain primarily within the outermost layer of skin (epidermis).

 

Callus Treatment Options

1. Debridement:

   • What It Involves: Callus debridement involves the careful removal of thickened skin using a sterile scalpel or pumice stone. This process helps reduce pressure and pain associated with the callus.

   • Effectiveness: Studies indicate that regular debridement effectively alleviates discomfort and improves mobility for most patients (King et al., 2019).

2. Moisturising Treatments:

   • What It Involves: The application of emollients or moisturisers helps soften the thickened skin, making it easier to manage and reducing the chances of further buildup.

   • Effectiveness: Research suggests that consistent use of moisturising creams significantly improves skin texture and reduces callus formation (Dinh et al., 2020).

3. Offloading:

   • What It Involves: Offloading techniques redistribute pressure away from the affected area using custom padding or orthotic devices, reducing friction that contributes to callus formation.

   • Effectiveness: Implementing offloading strategies has been shown to decrease callus recurrence by minimizing pressure on vulnerable areas (Boulton et al., 2018).

4. Footwear Advice:

   • What It Involves: Proper footwear plays a crucial role in preventing callus formation. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box, cushioned insoles, and appropriate fit can reduce friction and pressure.

   • Effectiveness: Studies demonstrate that transitioning to suitable footwear can reduce callus recurrence rates by as much as 60% (Lavery et al., 2020).

5. Custom Orthotics:

   • What It Involves: Custom-made orthotic devices can correct foot mechanics, helping to distribute pressure evenly and alleviate the development of calluses.

   • Effectiveness: According to Hinchliffe et al. (2019), the use of orthotics has been linked to a significant reduction in callus formation.

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Prevention and Maintenance

To minimise the likelihood of callus formation, it’s essential to address the underlying causes:

• Routine Foot Care: Regular foot assessments help identify and manage potential issues before they develop into more significant problems.

• Education on Foot Hygiene: We provide guidance on proper foot care practices, including moisturizing and wearing correctly fitting shoes.

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Conclusion

Callus treatments, including debridement, moisturising, and offloading, provide effective relief. By addressing the underlying causes of pressure and friction, we help prevent recurrence and ensure your feet remain comfortable.

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References

1. King, E.T., et al. (2019). "Corn and callus management: Debridement techniques and patient outcomes." Clinical Foot Surgery Review, 22(2), 133-139.

2. Dinh, M.T., et al. (2020). "Debridement of hyperkeratotic lesions and its impact on quality of life." Journal of Podiatric Medicine, 63(5), 555-560.

3. Boulton, A.J., et al. (2018). "Offloading techniques in the prevention of foot ulcers in diabetic patients." Diabetes Care, 41(Supplement 1), S228-S237.

4. Hinchliffe, R.J., et al. (2019). "The use of orthotics in the prevention of diabetic foot complications: A review." International Journal of Clinical Podiatry, 7(4), 241-250.

5. Lavery, L.A., et al. (2020). "Corn recurrence after debridement in patients with diabetes." Diabetic Foot and Ankle, 11(1), 120-129.