At-Home Solutions for Corns, Calluses, and Cracked Heels
Our feet work hard for us, and sometimes they show it. Corns, calluses, and cracked heels are common foot woes that can range from mildly annoying to downright painful.
Fortunately, many cases can be managed effectively with some simple at-home care. For this post, the team at Batavia Foot Care Center will guide you through practical steps to address these issues and, importantly, explain when it’s time to call in a professional.
Understanding the Progression: From Minor Irritation to Major Issue
Think of these common foot problems as a slippery slope:
- Dry Skin: It often starts with simple dryness, especially around the heels.
- Escalates to Calluses: If dryness isn’t addressed, continued pressure and friction can lead to calluses – thickened, hardened patches of skin.
- Can Become Corns: These are smaller, more concentrated areas of hard skin with a central core, often developing on the tops or sides of toes.
- Left Untreated, Calluses Crack: Dry, thick calluses can crack, especially on the heels, forming…
- Painful Fissures: These deep cracks can be quite painful and even bleed.
- The Danger Zone: Infection: Fissures provide an open door for bacteria to enter, potentially leading to infection, a serious concern, particularly for those with diabetes.
At-Home Care: Your 4-Step Plan
Follow these steps to address corns, calluses, and cracked heels:
- Gentle Exfoliation:
- How: After a shower or bath (when skin is softened), gently use a pumice stone or foot file to lightly reduce the thickness of calluses and corns. Don’t be too aggressive.
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week.
- Moisture Moves:
- What to Use: Apply a thick, emollient cream or ointment daily, focusing on heels and other dry areas. Look for products containing urea, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acids.
- Pro-Tip: Apply moisturizer immediately after showering or bathing to lock in moisture.
- Cushion and Protect:
- Corns: Use non-medicated, doughnut-shaped corn pads to relieve pressure.
- Calluses: Wear shoes with ample cushioning and a wide toe box.
- Cracked Heels: Apply a specialized heel balm and consider wearing silicone heel cups.
- Proper Footwear:
- Avoid: High heels, tight shoes, and shoes with thin soles.
- Choose: Well-fitting shoes with good arch support, a roomy toe box, and cushioned soles.
Cases of infection and fissures merit a check-in with us, but with diligent checking and the right approach, you can avoid a lot of the issues above.
You can always count on Batavia Foot Care Center to care for your feet using a full range of therapies and treatment options. Dr. Dawn K. Dryden and Dr. Courtney M. Foote serve patients of all ages in Batavia, New York. Contact our office to schedule an appointment!
