Calluses are a hard build-up of skin in certain areas, usually where excess pressure is applied to the skin for an extended period. Calluses are most commonly found on the feet, hands, knees, and elbows. People with certain medical conditions may also get them in other places, such as on their eyelids or forehead. People get calluses for many reasons. For example, the pressure from walking or standing can lead to calluses on your feet. If you have calluses, you should talk to a specialist in treating calluses in Bakersfield to understand your treatment options.
Symptoms
You may experience tenderness, redness, pain when walking or standing, and swollen joints if you have calluses. The calluses may also cause your skin to crack or bleed. You can also get skin infections underneath and around calluses, resulting in pus and pain.
Causes and risk factors
There are many causes of calluses, including:
- Pressure from walking or standing
- Use of hand tools that push on the skin for a long time
- Wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly
- Repeatedly putting pressure on your hands or feet
- Genetics
You may be at increased risk for developing calluses if you are over the age of 40 or are diabetic. Calluses can also form if you have certain types of arthritis that cause joint pain. People who work in jobs that involve lots of hand tool use, such as construction workers, mechanics, and gardeners, are especially at risk for calluses.
Diagnosis
Calluses are diagnosed through a physical exam. Your doctor will look at the affected area to determine what is causing the callus and its severity. You should also describe your symptoms, such as pain or tenderness if you have them.
Treatment
If you have small calluses, you may use simple techniques to take care of them at home. For example, you can trim thick calluses down to the skin level with a pumice stone or emery board. You can also cover your calluses with waterproof bandages if they are moist or have cracks that may become infected.
Your doctor will recommend more advanced treatment options for more extensive calluses. These options may include the use of over-the-counter medications, prescription creams, wearing protective gloves while at work, and custom orthotic devices. There are also surgical procedures available for removing large calluses.
It is important to note that if you have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or arthritis, they may have to be treated first for your calluses to go away.
Prevention
You can help prevent calluses by taking steps to keep your skin soft and moist. This includes:
- Moisturizing the affected areas of the body thoroughly with lotion or moisturizer at least once a day
- Wearing shoes that fit correctly and do not rub against your skin
- Use work gloves if you have to use hand tools for a long time
In summary, calluses refer to the hard build-up of skin on parts that experience pressure over extended periods. They cause redness, swelling, and pain when walking or standing. Most people develop calluses due to pressure from standing or walking and wearing shoes that do not fit well. Treatment often involves medication, orthodontic devices, protective gloves, and surgery. You can prevent them by keeping your skin soft and moist.
