Corns and clavi (the plural form of callous) are such common painful growths, and yet so many individuals just don't know what to do to eradicate them. Corns and clavi develop as a form of the body's defense mechanism to protect bony spurs from becoming injured. Most people envision bones to be smooth like glass, but they are actually "spiculated", meaning they have many rough projections radiating from them. If one of these projections just happens to fall in an area that under direct constant pressure, the skin will thicken in response, thus forming a callous.

Two major events need to occur to alleviate the discomfort. First, the pressure needs to be relieved. This may be accomplished by wearing a "donut" pad, (try Dr. Scholl's Corn Cushions). This helps disperse the pressure off of the piece of bone. By doing this, you automatically protect the area which in turn reduces the associated pain. You are also helping prevent further problems.

Second, you need to address the already formed corn or callous. You will need to both physically remove some of the dead skin as well as soften the affected area. Debriding the hard, crusty material is the first step here. While trimming with a nail trimmer or a razor seems simple, many times this crust is literally as hard as cement. The use of a pumice stone (Tweezerman Pedro Callus Stone), or emery board (Diamancel Diamond File for Foot Calluses #20), are best suited to thinner areas already under a maintenance routine. Using a product to help soften the callous will make this trimming much easier.

You would be amazed that this may take just a few days. Also, even the simple act of softening the crust helps cut down on the discomfort from the area even before you remove this keratinacous material. The base ingredients helpful here include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, urea and lactic acid. All are excellent selections, but you must use them in adequate concentration to achieve adequate results. Consider such products as Priori Advanced AHA Hand & Body Revitalizing Lotion, Keralyt Gel, B. Kamins Elbow, Knee & Foot Treatment Kit and MD Formulations Pedicreme respectively as OTC choices and if all else fails, prescription options such as Lachydrin 12% Cream or Carmol 40.

Corns and callouses will continue to form if the bony surface isn't changed, which is typically impractical. Undergoing more radical surgery to smooth out the bony surface is rarely done, and only once did I suggest this for a serious chronic ulcerating callous that was disabling a diabetic. Diabetics are more prone to experience unusual and more threatening problems associated with seemingly simple skin conditions. If you are a diabetic experiencing a chronic sore, make sure you check with your dermatologist.

For anyone suffering from painful corns or clavi, keep up with your therapy on a maintenance basis to stay comfortable. For instance, if the corn is on your foot, it is unlikely you will start to walk differently to reduce the pressure upon the affected area. However, by changing your shoe, obtaining an orthotic shoe insert or wearing a corn pad, you may be able to prevent chronic friction upon the problematic area. Use of a softening cream, such as DERMAdoctor Feet Accompli Ultimate Antifungal Pedicure Cream or Nutraplus Therapeutic Cream, particularly after bathing may also help keep your skin soft and prevent the hard crust from forming.

Anytime a hard crust forms, it will hurt when pressed upon. Think of walking around with a pebble in your shoe. The same type of event happens here. Chronic trauma to the deeper layers of the skin just plain hurts. So by all means, get into the habit of using your products to keep the pressure off and your skin looking and feeling soft and supple.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope you have found it informative.

Audrey Kunin, M.D.

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

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