Understanding and Managing Hard Skin on Your Feet
Mar 19, 2024Have you ever noticed areas of tough, thickened skin on your feet, hands, or other parts of your body? That's likely hard skin, also known as calluses. While it's a common condition, many people aren't fully aware of what causes it or how to properly manage it. Keep reading this blog to understand what it is, the causes, prevention and treatment.
What is Hard Skin?
Hard skin, or calluses, is an area of thickened, toughened skin that develops in response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. It often occurs on the feet, especially the heels and balls. Calluses typically appear as yellowish patches of skin that feel rough and may be slightly raised.
Causes of Hard Skin
Several factors contribute to the development of hard skin:
- Friction and Pressure: Continuous rubbing or pressure on a specific area of the skin can cause it to thicken and form a callus. This often happens due to ill-fitting shoes, walking barefoot, or repetitive motions during activities like running or weightlifting.
- Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack proper support can lead to increased friction and pressure on certain areas of the feet, resulting in calluses.
- Biomechanical Factors: Issues such as high arches, flat feet, or abnormalities in gait can redistribute pressure unevenly across the feet, predisposing certain areas to callus formation.
- Age and Skin Thickness: As we age, our skin naturally becomes thicker and less elastic, making us more prone to developing calluses.
Prevention of Hard Skin
While calluses are often inevitable, there are steps you can take to prevent them from forming or reduce their recurrence:
- Proper Footwear: Wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes with adequate cushioning and support to minimise friction and pressure on your feet.
- Regular Moisturising: Keep your skin well-hydrated by applying moisturiser regularly, especially to areas prone to calluses. Softening the skin can help prevent the formation of thickened patches.
- Cushioning and Padding: Use protective pads or cushions to distribute pressure evenly and reduce friction on vulnerable areas of the feet.
Treatment Options
If calluses have already formed, there are several ways to manage them effectively:
- Soaking and Exfoliation: Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to soften the callused skin, then gently exfoliate with a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead skin cells and reduce thickness.
- Moisturisation: Apply a thick moisturising cream to the affected areas regularly to keep the skin soft and supple.
- Padding and Cushioning: Use over-the-counter pads or cushions to protect callused areas from further friction and pressure.
- Orthotic Inserts: Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts can help redistribute pressure and correct biomechanical issues that contribute to callus formation.
- Medical Intervention: If calluses are causing pain or difficulty walking, consult one of our skilled podiatrists at Foot Corner. They will remove the callus using special tools without any pain or discomfort.
Conclusion
Hard skin can be uncomfortable and unsightly if left untreated. By understanding the causes and risk factors associated with calluses, as well as implementing preventive measures and appropriate treatment strategies, you can effectively manage this common skin condition and maintain healthy, comfortable skin on your feet. Remember, if you have concerns or experience persistent pain or discomfort, don't hesitate to seek professional advice for personalised care and treatment from our skilled podaitrists.
