Calluses represent skin thickenings that form when the skin tries to protect itself from pressure and friction. In most cases they appear on the hands, feet and fingers. They are rarely painful.
What kind of diseases can be associated with calluses?
Diseases that may be associated with calluses are the following:
- Actinic keratosis
- Diabetic Foot
- Syphilis
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for calluses?
If the patient does not suffer from particular diseases, a treatment is necessary only if the calluses create difficulties, or even purely aesthetic intervention.
In most cases the thickenings tend to disappear by themselves after rubbing or removing the pressure or that led to their formation. It can also be useful to change the footwear, use protective plasters and keep the skin moisturized. If even then the callus does not disappear, the other possibility is to act by eliminating the excess skin, using applicable products for the intended use and orthopedic insoles. Also in some cases it may be useful to apply an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infections.
Only in rare circumstances, it may be necessary to intervene surgically to correct the occurred structural problems that lead to the actual skin rubbing and the callus appearance.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of calluses?
If the patient suffers from diabetes or of other specific diseases it is not advisable to treat the calluses with home remedies. In these cases, the risk of complications is high and the patient has to contact a doctor to know how to behave safely. It is also good to ask for doctor’s advice should the calluses become inflamed or start causing pain.
