A corn on your feet is as irritating as a pebble on your shoe. Nope, I’m not talking about corn kernels here, I’m referring to thick skin formations on hands, feet or knees called heloma or commonly known as Corns.
Corns are often found on the balls of your feet and toes or hands and fingers. They appear as thick, rough and hardened layers of skin with varying texture that may be dry, waxy, flaky, horny or transparent. These are formed when the skin tries to defend itself against pressure and friction. Thickening of the skin over the bony parts of the hands and feet are called as calluses and are also formed due to pressure and friction.
These unsightly formations may cause pain or tenderness under the skin, some may throb or burn, while others are painless. Corns and calluses may be treated by wearing bandages, protective covering or corn pads over the sore areas to reduce friction on the affected area, applying moisturizing lotion on dry corns and calluses, soaking your hands or feet in warm water to soften corns and calluses and rubbing pumice stone over thick and hard areas.
People who have diabetes or problems with poor circulation need to consult a physician for the proper care of corns and calluses since they are more prone to infection.
Corns and calluses that continue to be painful and bothersome despite home remedies may need medical attention. Immediate and serious medical help is needed if there is increasing pain and swelling, spreading redness and pus-like drainage around the sore, change in color of toes or fingers, and gangrene signs.
Formation of corns and calluses may be prevented by wearing protective clothing like gloves and socks, avoiding ill-fitting shoes and socks, and keeping your hands and feet moisturized.
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