The calluses are circumscribed, horny, conical thickenings that have their base on the surface and their tip pointing inward and pressing on the subjacent structures. Callus differs from clavus (clavus does not have a penetrant central nucleus and is a more diffuse thickening).

The calluses are circumscribed, horny, conical thickenings that have their base on the surface and their tip pointing inward and pressing on the subjacent structures. Callus differs from clavus (clavus does not have a penetrant central nucleus and is a more diffuse thickening).

There are two varieties: hard calluses, which appear on the dorsal surface of the toes on the toes or soles and soft calluses, which appear between the toes and soften with the moisturizing effect of sweat..

In hard callus the surface is polished and shiny and when the upper layers are scraped off, a nucleus is observed in the densest part of the lesion. It is this nucleus that causes a blunt / annoying or acute / dissipative pain through the pressure exerted on the subjacent sensory nerves. The calluses erupt from the positions of friction or pressure and may disappear automatically when the causes are eliminated. Often there is a protruding piece of bone or an exostosis under both the hard and soft calluses that has been around for a long time. Treatment is not considered possible unless the exostosis is removed.

Soft interdigit callus usually occurs in the fourth interdigital interval of the foot. Often, there is an exostosis in the metatarsophalangeal joint that puts pressure on the adjacent finger. These are soft, humectated and soaked so that they appear albidus. Simple resection treatment can be effective.

Plantar calluses should be differentiated from plantar warts and in most cases this can be done with certainty only after abrasion of the superficial keratin until they are clearly visible, either the pathognomonic elongated chorial nipples of the wart with its blood vessels or the transparent horny core of the callus. In addition, distinct smooth porokeratosis is a clearly limited elastic conoid lesion that is often found under the heads of the metatarsals. Multiple lesions can occur. There is a predominance of women in a ratio of 3: 1. The lesion is painful and is often confused with plantar wart or callus. Spotted hyperkeratosis of the folds on the interdigital folds of the toes may be observed, where it can be misunderstood as callus.

Treatment

Relieving pressure or friction with the use of corrective shoes or the application of special pads is of paramount importance. However, this step alone can not lead to healing of the lesions.

Salicylic acid and dichloroacetic acid are the most popular treatments and are successful when used carefully and diligently. After careful abrasion of the callus with emphasis on the removal of the central nucleus, a 40% salicylic acid patch is applied.

Sometimes it is easier to use salicylic acid-lactic acid in a collodion than a patch. The medicine that contains collodion is gently applied daily to the area of abrated callus and left to dry until healing comes..
Soaking the foot in water for half an hour before re-applying the medicine enhances its action. This treatment is particularly effective for interdigital soft calluses.

Also, soaking the feet in warm water and abrating the surface with a blade or pumice stone improves the symptoms.

Placing a soft padding ring around the area of the callus often produces a good result.
In case of failure of conservative methods, their surgical removal is recommended.
 
Source: healthyliving.gr