Skin Calluses - Hyperkeratosis

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What are Skin Calluses ?

Callus is an area of thickened, hard skin that may appear yellowish in colour.
It can occur in a number of places on the foot, commonly on the heel area, and around the ‘ball of the foot’.

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What causes callus ?
There are a number of causes behind the formation of callus.
These include; excessive friction & pressure over bony areas, poorly-fitting shoes and excessive walking or running.
However, some people have a naturally excessive production of callus for no obvious reason.

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What should I do if I have callus ?
If you have callus formation then you should arrange an appointment to have it treated.

Podiatry treatment for callus.
Callus can easily be reduced in a treatment session by your podiatrist using a scalpel blade.
This pain-free treatment aims to reduce pain or discomfort, restore normal appearance and improve skin function.  Callus is a symptom of underlying problems and so self treatment should only be attempted once a diagnosis of the underlying condition and advice on how to best manage it is gained from a podiatrist.  Over the counter callus remedies treat the callus, but do not treat the cause !

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Podiatry management of callus.
1) a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the callus
2) implementation of a management / treatment plan.

    Management plan should consist of.
1) maintenance appointments to keep the callus reduced
2) use of padding to prevent the pressure
3) footwear fitting advice
4) provision of foot orthotics or supports to relieve the pressure under the foot
5) Referral for surgical correction of the bony prominence that may be causing the high pressure area

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It is especially important that those with ‘Diabetes’ or ‘Impaired circulation’ see a ' HCPC Registered Podiatrist for the management of foot calluses.

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