Life is such an exciting thing; still, it may often be dangerous as well. A human being has to be always ready to protect him/herself from something – either by taking an umbrella when it is raining not to get wet, or by saving some money in case of the global financial crisis.
The instinct of self-protection is deeply in our genes. In fact, it is so inherent in us that our bodies even without our conscious intention can protect us from millions of dangers, visible and invisible ones.
One of the defensive measures of the human organism is the formation of corns and calluses on the places of intense pressure or constant friction. Mentioned disorders are often called hyperkeratosis or clavus referring to both conditions, as well as tyloma for a callus and heloma for a corn.
Calluses are diffuse hardening of the skin, usually on the soles of the feet (under the balls and heels) and toes, as well as on the hands and knees. Corns look like hardened and often inflamed skin with dead cells in the center. They are smaller than calluses, though they can also be surrounded by them. Corns usually appear on the parts of feet that do not bear weight – on the tops of the toes or balls of the feet.
In spite of the fact that corns and calluses occur to protect our skin from possible development of wounds or bruises, they can also cause a lot of problems to a patient. The most common symptom is rough thick skin. Calluses have no distinct borders, and may be white, grey-yellow, brown, or red. Although they do not cause pain, they can be annoying because of such sensations as throbbing, burning or tenderness.
Corns, on the other hand, are usually painful, because they press into the deeper layers of the skin. They have distinct borders, although their texture varies. They may even be soft to touch in the places where some degree of moisture is present (between the toes). As the complication of corns infection can occur.
As a matter of fact, these defensive measures start to be treated by our bodies as foreign invaders with the lapse of time; thus, ulcers may develop under on the spots of corns and calluses and become more painful and inflamed.
The common cause for corns and calluses formation is constant pressure in a certain spot. Things get worse if additional rubbing or friction takes place. Ill-fitting shoes are the primary reason for the condition on the feet, and the use of tools leads to the appearance of this disorder on the palms of the hands.
Consequently, the only way to stop the formation or aggravation of hyperkeratosis is to eliminate pressure: change shoes, wear tightly fitting socks, use soft pads in the places of friction, or wear gloves to protect hands.
Despite of the medicinal options available to help in healing corns and calluses they will most possible keep coming back if the pressure is not eliminated; thus, advice of a skilled podiatrist about how to remove the cause of the problem is the way to get rid of its consequences.
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