Corns are not only an aesthetic problem. If left untreated, they cause unnecessary pain and sometimes cause inflammation. Usually, the cause of corns is uncomfortable shoes - too tight or too loose. Read on or listen to how to prevent fingerprints and what to do if you already have them.
Corns are the common name for calluses and corns. There is one reason for their formation. They are the result of constant pressure or friction (e.g. shoes against the skin or the skin of the fingers against each other). In order to protect itself from damage, the skin produces cells of the stratum corneum.
However, they do not peel off, but only build up to form a hardened layer. Not only does it look unpleasant, it can cause pain over time, and inflammation develops under the corns.
How to avoid prints?
Please wear comfortable shoes
Usually, uncomfortable shoes are the culprit - too tight or too loose, often in high heels, which is why women suffer most from them. People who are very overweight are also exposed to calluses and corns.
Corns can also be associated with other foot diseases, their structure (e.g. flat feet or high instep, too long metatarsal bone, deformed toes), with bone unevenness, and even with improper motor skills, i.e. walking.
It's best to make sure that corns never appear on your feet. The key is to have appropriate, comfortable footwear, avoid tight socks and tights, and properly care for your feet.
What is a therapeutic pedicure?
What is a fish pedicure?
A podiatrist is a foot specialist - when to visit?
Use a moisturizing cream
Every night, use a cream that will moisturize, lubricate and prevent the growth of hardened skin. It should contain oiling ingredients (e.g. shea butter, cocoa butter, vegetable oils) and exfoliating ingredients (urea, salicylic acid).
Try, for example, an exfoliating and softening cream for damaged heels, a cream for smoothing heels, a cream for cracked heels, a cream reducing thickening and calluses of the skin.
Exfoliate callous epidermis
Regularly remove calloused skin with a file or a foot grater. Before that, however, a few minutes soak your feet in water with salt (medicinal or regular) or aromatic oil, e.g. lavender.
Although the callous epidermis itself is not a health problem, if it is left unremoved, it can grow and cause calluses.
If there is little, a coarse scrub is enough. Do not use a razor for this, as you can cut yourself easily and start an infection.
Also, do not reach for the pumice stone - it becomes a habitat for bacteria and fungi when it is used many times, constantly moist.
How are corns different from calluses?
Methods of removing calluses and corns
Calluses are usually removed with a milling machine, which eliminates the risk of damaging healthy skin. Large, advanced inflamed corns are best removed by a surgeon, pedicurist or podiatrist, this is done with a hollow drill. Since the corns are clusters of dead skin, the procedure is painless. After cutting the corn, a small hole remains, you just need to stick a plaster on it. People with diabetes and cardiovascular disorders should not remove fingerprints themselves
Take care of your feet
If the thickening has already started to appear, protect it from further friction and pressure with specially shaped cushions. They are made of silicone, which does not cause allergies, does not chafe the skin and allows it to breathe. There is a wide selection of them on the market.
To get rid of small corns, special plasters (eg Scholl, Compeed, Salvequick, Viscoplast) are helpful, which stick for several days, and then the softened imprint is easily removed mechanically - with a grater or a file.
Liquids and gels are also used to soften them, which are applied twice a day (eg ABE Inco Veritas SA, Dr Stopa Floslek, Acerin).
They are usually based on salicylic or lactic acid. When applying them, be careful not to accidentally smear the healthy skin next to the print - it may end up in painful damage. They also cannot be used for inflammation or calluses.
