Taking Care of Your Toe Callus

A toe callus is an extremely tough patch of skin which develops on some part of the toe. This hardness is generally caused as a result of the persistent rubbing of the skin against another surface such as the interior of a shoe or those of another toe. Toe Callus can also be caused by the actions of persistent pressure against the skin of a toe. In some cases, the development of a toe callus might be an indication that a person might be suffering from an unpleasant foot disorder.

Calluses develop because the body attempts to prevent possible damage to the tissues beneath the area under pressure. Despite the thickened skin Calluses are initially relatively harmless. However, if the source of friction or pressure is not removed they can grow to become very painful. When persistent pressure remains a callus can either turn into a hardened “corn” or become an inflamed blister. Neither of these is pleasant.

There are many ways of determining if a person is suffering from toe callus. Depending on its stage of development, a toe callus can sometimes appear as a hard bump on the toe skin with a center core. Toe Calluses of this nature are often known as corns. It can also sometimes occur between toes as white rubbery sores. These are generally very painful.

There are many different scenarios which might encourage the growth of calluses. Calluses are however more likely to develop amongst

1. People who spend most of their time standing up and resting on their toes: The persistent pressure of this stance on the toes increases the likelihood of it developing.
2. People who have skin with reduced elasticity or fat: This makes the body less resistant to pressure on surfaces.
3. People who are suffer from foot defects or complaints such as rheumatism or arthritis: Conditions such as these often cause people to place far too much pressure on one leg in deference to another.
4. People who regularly wear tight fitting shoes: The resultant build up in pressure caused by these tight shoes causes the development of calluses.

In order to prevent further complication, a toe callus should be treated as early as possible. This will prevent it from developing even thicker layers of skin. Most times a callus will quickly fade once the source of the frictional irritation has been removed. Without the persistent pressure, the skin will gently soften and return to normal. However, calluses can sometimes be treated with salicylic acid. They can also be sanded down gently with the use of a pumice stone. If the callus should develop a cut in the skin, this area should be cleaned with an antiseptic and then covered with a dressing. For good measure, foot cream can be applied to the affected area before going to bed. This will soften the callus.

If these methods fail and the toe callus does not leave, then the services of a podiatrist should be sought.

Some of the options which a podiatrist might suggest include

1. The use of customized padding—i.e. foam wedges beneath the toes. These will dissipate the total pressure.
2. Provide guidance and advice on the right type of footwear to use. Sometimes a changed in the shoes style is all that is required to resolve the problem.
3. Provide advice on the various ways of caring for the foot. This might include recommending an effective moisturizer which can be used. People are also regularly encouraged to wear breathable fabrics over their feet. The use of padded socks is also a great way of reducing the effects of friction between the shoes and the skin.