Corns, Calluses And Blisters - Do You Know The Difference?
Corns, calluses and blisters are all indicators of functional instability and are the skins reaction to excessive pressure and imbalance
. Curing these conditions permanently is only possible if the cause is fully understood and subsequently addressed. Many people will develop a corn, callus or blister at some point in their life. Often caused by ill-fitting shoes or uneven pressures from walking or running, these bothersome foot problems can cause feet to look unsightly, or even worse, result in pain and discomfort.
Understanding Corns
A corn is a thickened growth of skin that forms on the toes when the bones push against shoes or other toes, creating friction against the skin. Hard corns typically develop on the top of the toe or on the side of the small toe, while soft corns are similar to open sores which develop between the toes. Corns are almost always caused from wearing restrictive shoes that place repeated pressure on the toes. But hammertoes and other toe deformities can be the source of their development as well.
The first and most obvious step for treating a corn is to stop wearing shoes that are building up pressure. Buy shoes that allow plenty of toe room, and if needed, ask your podiatrist about a corn foam pad that can prevent pressure and reduce further irritation to the affected area. A podiatrist can remove a corn easily and painlessly by shaving it with a scalpel. And if the pain persists and the corn isn't reducing in size, see you're podiatrist for professional care and treatment.
Calluses - What are they?
Similar to corns, calluses are areas of excess thickened skin that gradually develop due to repeated pressure and friction. Calluses typically cover a larger area than corns, however, and generally form on the heels or balls of the feet.
Like corns, the formation of a callus is often caused by poor-fitting shoes, and with proper fitting footwear and simple at-home remedies, the callus will usually reduce in size and disappear on its own. To remove the callus, try gently exfoliating the skin with a pumice stone. This is often enough to remove the excess skin and ease any pain or discomfort.
Cutting away a callus on your own may cause more harm than good, so if you need assistance visit your podiatrist, especially if you suffer from diabetes. A professional foot surgeon or podiatrist can help alleviate callus pain by shaving the skin away and applying a pad to the affected area for relief.
Ouch! - A Blister
Blisters form when the skin rubs against another surface, causing friction. First, a tear will occur within the upper layers of the skin, forming a space between the layers while leaving the surface intact. Next, fluid will seep into the space between the layers. If you get a blister, you will want to relieve your pain, keep the blister from getting bigger, and avoid infection.
Specific steps for treatment will depend on the size of the blister and whether or not it is intact. You can treat the vast majority of blisters yourself. You may only need to contact your podiatrist if your blister has become infected, recur frequently, form in unusual locations, or are very severe. Signs of an infection include:
*Pus draining from the blister
*Very red or warm skin around the blister
*Red streaks leading away from the blister
If corns, calluses, or blisters bother you, consult your Mississauga podiatrist for further diagnosis and treatment. Your podiatrist will be able to determine what type of foot imbalance may be causing your complications.
by: Gen Wright
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