A callus, also known as callosity, is a toughened skin area that has become thick and hard due to repeated friction, pressure or other irritation.
Usually, calluses develop on the feet, especially on the bottoms of the feet and the underside of the big toe. Calluses can also develop on the hands, fingers or anywhere on the body where there is repeated friction.
Calluses on the feet are typically due to dry skin or too much friction on one area, such as the repeated rubbing caused by ill-fitting shoes. High-heeled shoes are the worst offenders. Other risk factors include foot deformities and wearing shoes or sandals without socks.
Also, people who are diabetic or who have a health condition that causes poor blood flow to the feet are at greater risk of developing calluses
In addition to thick and hardened skin, calluses may have flaky and dry yellow skin patches. They are usually not painful but feel bumpy and less sensitive to touch than the surrounding skin.
Nevertheless, a callus can cause discomfort when any type of pressure is applied to it, like while walking. It may also throb or burn sometimes.
While this problem is generally not serious, if not treated it can lead to other issues like skin ulceration or infection and cause tenderness, pain and swelling. Oftentimes, simply eliminating the source of friction or pressure is enough to help a callus heal on its own.
You can also treat calluses at home with some simple remedies. However, those who are diabetic must consult a doctor before trying any home treatment.
Click Here for the top 10 home remedies for calluses on the feet
