Calluses

The medical definition of a callus is a toughened area of skin which has become thick and hard as a response to repeated contact or pressure. This is exactly what they are and we have all had calluses on our feet or hands at one time or another. If we haven't, something is wrong with our activity level! It is important to not confuse these calluses with the callus of cell biology, which while similar is actually not of the skin like calluses we develop on our feet or hands. There has been much study and research on callus regeneration.

Because of what calluses are, we usually only get them on our feet or hands. Corns and calluses are so similar that we often refer to one as the other. A corn callus is usually on the toes, either on top or between them. If shoes that are too tight cause them, the corn callus (also called corn) will not heal as long as the shoes are still being worn. If the corn is between the toes, it sometimes will not heal without some sort of callus remover. A foot callus can become very painful because we are on our feet so much of the day. A bunion is another type of painful callus that is found behind the second or third toe.

People in certain professions will get a top of fingers corn callus. It usually starts as a blister and can be quite painful before it actually turns into a callus. If you want to see a top of fingers corn callus picture, a podiatrist can provide you with photos. If you know of any guitarists, they will often have a top of fingers corn callus from using the same hand and finger repeatedly.

There is liquid medication and pads that are used as a callus remover. They are good for getting rid of a hard callus at home. They are quite effective if the callus is new. Another at home remedy is soaking the callus in a mixture of borax, iodine and bran in warm water until it softens and can be rubbed off. This will take more than one time usually for it to work. Another method to use is an electric callus remover. You just press it against the callus and it gently removes it. The electric callus remover has one surface to soften and remove the callus and another surface to remove the dead skin. If it's a callus that you have had for a long time and it is quite hard, it may need a few treatments or you may have to see a professional callus remover. Getting rid of a hard callus may result in having to see a podiatrist to get it shaved off. This relatively painless treatment is usually effective.