The perfect style, the perfect color, and a half-price, they're a steal. They are also a half-size. But you take it, right? Wrong. You'll pay the price later in calluses, lumpy accumulation of dead skin cells caused by constant friction between your feet and your shoes. You can get calluses on your hands and fingers as weel. A callus isn't very attractive, nut it isn't painful, either, unless one on your foot develops a hard core and becomes a corn.
Corns usually appear on the outside of the little toe or on the upper surface of the other toes and can make a five-minute walk feel like a marathon. Some people also get soft corns, which between the toes when they're squeezed together so tightly that their bones rub against each other.
FOOD THERAPY
To remove corns and calluses, try this home remedy suggested by Julian Whitaker, M.D. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of dry chamomile tea and one garlic clove that has been crushed. Rub this mixture directly on the corn one or more times a day. This kitchen-created remedy helps to dissolve corns and calluses for quicker relief.
AYURVEDA
Here's a remedy from Vasant Lad, B.A.M.S., M.A.Sc., director of the Auyrvedic Institute of Albuquerque, N.M. First clean the area with tea tree oil. Then apply a paste made by mixing 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric. Once the paste is applied, cover the area with a bandage. The treatment works best at night when you're off your feet, according to Dr. Lad. since tumeric can stain skin and clothing, put on old socks after you've applied this remedy. any skin discoloration should wash off in about 2 weeks.
In the morning, remove the bandage and soak your foot in a bucket of warm water for 10 minutes. Then rub mustard oil deeply into the corn or collus. continue this treatment for several days, and eventually the corn or callus will fall off.
Mustard oil is available in Indian pharmacies.
Calluses on the ball of the foot - the area between the arch and the toes - often develop as a result of prolonged excess pressure on the foot. In some cases, calluses develop as a result of bony prominence or physical foot deformoties; surgery may be necessary to correct the condition. Use a shoe insert that acts as shock absorber that eases pressure on the foot.
Consult Your Health Care Provider When:
- Your callus is red and feels hot to the touch.
- Your callus cracks and bleeds or has bluish tint.
- You have diabetes and your foot problems don't improve with home remedies. Any cut or break in the skin of your feet should be examined by a physician.