Don’t Let Corns and Calluses Stop Your Holiday Shopping

With the holiday season fast approaching, the odds are pretty good that you will be spending a lot of time at First Colony Mall, and this means more time spent on your feet. So as you prepare to brave the crowds at any of Sugar Land’s stores, it is important to be learn all you can about corns and calluses, in order to avoid as much discomfort as possible.

Your feet do more work than you probably realize. During an average day of walking, the total forces on your feet can total hundreds of tons! All that force can be tough to deal with, so your body develops natural defense mechanisms. For instance, if your outermost layer of skin is rubbed too frequently, say from shoes that are too tight, it piles up a barrier of dead, rough skin. These built-up layers are what’s referred to as the formation of corns and calluses.

Corns are most often found on the toes, whereas calluses tend to form on the soles and sides of your feet. Pressure placed upon either of them can result in minor irritation, or major pain and discomfort. The experts at Foot & Ankle Associates have some at-home tips, though, that can smooth out these rough skin patches and provide some relief.

The first step in smoothing out corns and calluses is to soak your feet. A simple shower might be sufficient, but soaking them in water with Epsom salt can be especially effective. After your skin is softened, gently rub a pumice stone on the rough areas, or use an emery board on soft corns between toes. It is important to note that you are not trying to scrub it all away in one sitting. This process can take up to a couple of weeks. It is also vital that those with diabetes seek our help and not try this at home. You do not want to risk a break in the skin that could lead to infection.

Of course, prevention is always the best measure, so to avoid the problem in the first place, make sure that your socks provide sufficient cushioning and that your shoes fit well. If you find yourself with problematic corns and calluses, though, contact Sugar Land’s Foot & Ankle Associates at (888) 784-5335 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Marco Vargas today, so you can holiday shop pain-free.

Photo credit: MeiTeng via RGB-stock