Hard skin on the feet, also known as palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, is a very common problem that causes discomfort and, in some cases, is accompanied by other lesions. In this sense, it is important to see a podiatrist to eliminate these calluses and restore the good condition of the skin.
What is palmoplantar hyperkeratosis?
Known as calluses or corns, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the skin of the foot due to an increase in dead and flaking cells in that area.
They generally appear as a consequence of continuous pressure or friction, which displaces the superficial layers of the skin. Therefore, it is a defense system generated by the organism when the skin is subjected to continuous overexertion or rubbing. For example, when we wear a shoe that puts pressure on our feet or if we have a deformed toe, calluses may appear.
In this way, a thick layer of skin formed by dead cells appears, which generally appears on the heels or soles of the feet. This thickening of the skin can be annoying and painful, especially when nails or crow’s eyes are formed.
What are the most common symptoms?
There are a number of symptoms that indicate the presence of corns or calluses. The most frequent are the following:
- Hard skin
- Yellowish color
- Hard and rough texture
- Dryness
- Discomfort
Why do calluses appear on the feet?
Generally, they appear due to pressure or continuous rubbing. The most common causes are the following:
- Type of footwear used: wearing inappropriate shoes with narrow toes, such as high heels, encourages the appearance of hard skin, due to the pressure of the shoe, as it presses on the foot and toes.
- Not wearing socks: if we do not wear socks, the skin will rub against the shoe and calluses may appear. If the sock is badly placed or wrinkled, it can also promote their appearance.
- Foot deformities: people who suffer from deformities (claw toes, hammer toes or bunions) are at greater risk of hyperkeratosis, as these produce greater pressure between the skin and the shoe.
- Dehydration: favors the presence of corns or calluses, especially on the heels.
How to treat hyperkeratosis
First of all, it is very important to consult a podiatrist to assess the specific case and choose the most appropriate treatment for the situation.
There are different remedies for hyperkeratosis:
- Chiropody
It is a common alternative to treat the problem and solve it. It is a treatment that delaminates the skin to eliminate the accumulation of dead cells.
- Biomechanical study of the footprint
With this study, you can know the points of greatest pressure of the footprint. In this way, and with customized insoles, it is possible to rebalance the pressure and prevent the problem from worsening.
- Callicides
This treatment does not eliminate the cause of the problem, but allows the treatment of hardness and calluses, generating a wound and burn in the area.
How to prevent the formation of hyperkeratosis
It is important to follow the podiatrist’s recommendations, as he or she can offer a series of guidelines when choosing the most appropriate shoe according to the patient’s gait. This reduces the likelihood of the problem recurring.
To avoid calluses, it is essential to wear comfortable and appropriate footwear, use a pumice stone to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, and moisturize the skin to prevent dryness.