Calluses occur when dead skin forms a protective barrier over the fresh skin of your feet to protect against friction and pressure. The soles of your feet are 40 times thicker than the rest of the skin covering your body, according to the New York Times. When a callus forms, the dead skin formation can reach up to four times the sole's original thickness leading to pain and discomfort. Treating your calluses at home with foot creams helps to soften the dead skin, allowing for you to rid yourself of the discomfort.
Lanolin and Petroleum
Foot creams contain lanolin, designed to absorb into your skin, softening and preventing increased skin shedding. Lanolin is the base ingredient in many over-the-counter foot creams used for callus treatment and should be used after bathing or soaking your feet, according to the New York Times. One way to boost the effectiveness of lanolin creams is to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly before bed. Apply a pair of clean, white cotton socks to your feet and go to sleep. Upon waking, wash your feet with a gentle soap and lukewarm water, then massage a liberal amount of lanolin cream into your feet, paying close attention to your callus. After two to three weeks you will notice a difference in the texture and thickness of your calluses.
Diabetes
Individuals who suffer from diabetes find it more difficult to fight the effects of calluses due to complications such as neuropathy and decreased circulation to the lower extremities. For this reason, special foot creams, designed for diabetes patients are available via prescription and over-the-counter means. According to the American Diabetes Association, treatment of calluses requires the help of your doctor as well as use of a pumice stone. While your skin is still wet, use a clean pumice stone to remove moistened outer layers of dead skin and follow immediately with your chosen foot cream. The ADA warns that you are never to shave or clip calluses at home due to increased risk of infection and skin ulceration leading to further complications.
Antibiotic Creams
At times, untreated calluses become so tough that your skin may crack and healthy skin becomes damaged. With this complication comes the risk of bacterial invasion that promotes mild to severe foot infection. Glenn Copeland, Stan Solomon and Mark Myerson, authors of "The Good Foot Book: A Guide for Men, Women, Children, Athletes, Seniors" state that when your callus becomes difficult to treat at home, it is crucial to visit your podiatrist for antibiotic cream. These creams not only fight bacterial invasion, but also soften the callus and prevent further skin breakdown. Antibiotic creams are typically used on calluses for up to three weeks and followed with home treatments using standard lanolin foot creams. In some cases, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed depending on the extent of infection.
Considerations
During the course of treatment, creams are the first line of attack; however, creams do not work alone. The New York Times suggests ensuring that you are wearing proper fitting shoes to prevent pressure and friction. When standing on flat, hard surfaces daily, make sure that your shoes are well cushioned and provide ample support for your heels and arches. Along with adequate footwear, moisturizing your feet up to two times daily will help prevent callus formation by removing loose, dead skin cells.
References
- New York Times: Corns and Calluses
- American Diabetes Association: Foot Complications
- The Good Foot Book: A Guide for Men, Women, Children, Athletes, Seniors; Glenn Copeland, Stan Solomon, Mark Myerson; 2004
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