What Are Calluses? A Podiatrist Explains the Causes and Treatment
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A podiatrist explains what calluses are, why hard skin builds up on your soles, and how to treat and prevent it.
By Sophie McLellan, Co-Owner & Podiatrist, Little Big Feet Podiatry, Brisbane
Key Facts
- What it isA build-up of hardened dead skin in an area of excess pressure, usually on the soles; it is the body's defence against pressure and friction.
- Most at riskPeople in ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or small, those carrying extra weight, or with bony prominences, a reduced fat pad, abnormal gait or structural foot differences.
- Common symptomsHardened patches or ridges of thickened skin on the soles, sometimes uncomfortable underfoot.
- Primary treatmentWell-fitting footwear, pressure-redistributing insoles or orthotics, urea-based creams, and professional removal by a podiatrist.
What are calluses?
A Callus is caused by the accumulation of dead skin that thickens or hardens in an area of excessive pressure. Typically, these are found on the underside (soles) of the feet. Calluses are the body's defence mechanism against pressure and friction. They may appear as hardened patches or ridges of thickened skin.
What causes calluses?
Common causes of callus include: ill-fitting shoes (too tight/small), obesity, bony prominences, reduced fat pad under the balls of feet, abnormal gait mechanics and structural abnormalities of the foot.
How are calluses treated?
Podiatrists can quickly and effectively remove callus and assist in the prevention of future callus development. Your podiatrist will also be able to recommend appropriate at-home care. Consideration should be given to the patient's age, mobility, health and skin integrity; for example, a diabetic should avoid using any sharp or excessively rough objects to treat a callus. Your podiatrist may assist by recommending orthotics or innersoles to redistribute plantar pressures and offload callus-prone areas.
The Comfort Co Breakdown
Calluses, in plainer English
A callus is a hardened build-up of dead skin, caused by things like ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or small, extra body weight, bony prominences, a reduced fat pad under the balls of the feet, abnormal gait mechanics and structural differences in the foot. A podiatrist can remove a callus quickly, though there are things you can do to prevent or treat calluses yourself.
Why do they keep coming back?
A callus is your skin protecting itself from repeated pressure, so it will keep rebuilding until you fix what is pressing on it. That is why better-fitting shoes and pressure relief matter more than scrubbing the skin away.
Written by The Comfort Co team.
The Comfort Co Solutions
A callus is a pressure problem, so the fix is to sort out the pressure and keep the skin soft while it settles. A few small changes make a real difference.
1. Get properly fitting shoes
If your shoes are rubbing you the wrong way, get some that do not. The most accurate way to get sized is in store at our New Zealand showroom, where you can step onto the Aetrex scanner and see your true length, width and arch. If you are still hesitant, the Comfort Co return policy means you have nothing to worry about.
2. Use a urea-based foot cream
If you already have callused feet, a foot cream like Callusan can help soothe your symptoms and soften the hard skin.
3. Make an appointment with a podiatrist
For thick, stubborn or painful calluses, a podiatrist can remove the build-up safely and set you up with the right at-home routine to keep it from returning.
Comfort Co Pro Tip
Moisturise straight after a shower while the skin is still soft. Urea creams work best on damp skin, so a quick nightly routine beats the occasional heavy scrub.
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Quick questions
What is a callus?
A callus is a build-up of dead skin that thickens or hardens in an area of excessive pressure, most often on the soles of the feet. It is the body's natural defence against pressure and friction.
What causes calluses?
Common causes include ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or small, carrying extra weight, bony prominences, a reduced fat pad under the balls of the feet, abnormal gait mechanics and structural differences in the foot.
How do podiatrists treat calluses?
Podiatrists can quickly and effectively remove a callus and help prevent it returning. They may also recommend orthotics or insoles to redistribute pressure and offload callus-prone areas, along with suitable at-home care.
Can I treat calluses at home?
Yes, up to a point. Getting properly fitting shoes and using a urea-based foot cream can help, but at-home care should suit your age, mobility, health and skin. Anyone with diabetes should avoid sharp or rough tools and see a podiatrist.
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
A callus is a broader area of hardened skin that is usually not painful, while a corn is a smaller, denser and more centralised patch that tends to be painful. Both come from pressure and friction.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. Calluses. my.clevelandclinic.org
- Healthdirect. Corns and calluses. healthdirect.gov.au