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Calluses and corns

Symptoms: Calluses (hard skin) are areas of thickened layers of skin formed due to repeated pressure and fiction. They can appear on the skin on any part of the body and are a result of the body protecting the skin and the structures beneath it from injury. If the pressure focuses on a small area, a 'hard' corn may develop, which can become inflamed and quite painful. 'Soft' corns can form between the toes, where the skin is moist from sweat or if not being dried properly.

Causes: While calluses on the hands are usually caused by normal wear and tear, calluses on the feet are often a biomechanical problem. They are caused by excessive pressure between the skin and the underlying bone causing inflammation. They typically appear on the sole of the foot, on the heel and the soft area between the arch and the toes. These are the areas of the foot which usually bear most of the pressure and friction from standing and walking. With continuous resistance the callus thickens, it causes more pressure against the skin and the area underneath can become quite painful. Typical risk factors of calluses and corns include prolonged standing, badly fitting or inappropriate shoes, obesity, toe deformities, abnormality in gait and flat or high-arched feet. Calluses are usually not painful when at rest. Everybody can get calluses and corns but some people have an increased tendency because of their skin type. Older people tend to have less padding on their feet in form of fatty tissue and therefore calluses are more likely to form on the bottom of their feet.

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