Skin care

Corns and calluses (hyperkeratosis)

Hyperkeratosis is often the result of friction and/or excessive pressure on the skin. The superficial layer of skin thickens after too much irregular stimulation. The choice of bad shoes, surplus biomechanical stress or bone prominences such as hammer toes or bunions, cause these problems.

A callus is the diffuse accumulation of a corn under the foot. Calluses are often found at the front of the foot and under the heel. They can form cracks that may be infected and very painful if not controlled.

A plantar corn is the result of an accumulation of corns under a pressure point of the foot. The corn then forms a nucleus that penetrates the skin, giving the feeling of walking on a rock, so it could prove very painful. If the latter is found between the toes, it is called a “soft corn”.

Cracks

Skin cracks are intimately related to callus. Dryness and thickening of the skin cause the loss of elasticity. In turn these result in cracks; especially felt at the heels. To prevent cracks it is preferable to remove excess calluses frequently and use an emollient cream daily . To better eliminate stubborn cracks, your podiatrist can advise you on different maintenance techniques.