Callosities also known as clavus or corns, are toughened areas in the skin, as a result of repeated pressure or repeated contact with rough surfaces. They are most common on the hands and feet but appear localized to the area that bears repeated pressure or abrasion.

SYMPTOMS OF CORN CALLIOSITIES

• A thick, rough area of skin
• A hardened, raised bump
• Tenderness or pain under skin
• Flaky, dry or waxy skin

Corns and calluses are not the same thing.

• Corns -are smaller than calluses and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns tend to develop on parts of our feet that do not bear weight, such as the tops and sides of our toes and even between our toes. They can also be found in weight-bearing areas. Corns can be painful when pressed.
• Calluses- are rarely painful. They usually develop on the soles of our feet, especially under the heels or balls, on our palms, or on our knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.

CAUSES OF CORN CALLIOSITIES

Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses to develop and grow. Some sources of this pressure and friction include:

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes- Tight shoes and high heels can compress areas of our feet. When footwear is too loose,our foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe.Our foot may also rub against a seam or stitch inside the shoe.
• Skipping socks- Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can cause friction on our feet. Socks that donot fit properly also can be a problem.
• Playing instruments or using hand tools- Calluses on our hands may result from the repeated pressure of playing instruments, using hand tools or even writing.

RISK FACTORS OF CORN CALLIOSITIES

• Bunions-A bunion is an abnormal, bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of  big toe.
• Hammertoe- A hammertoe is a deformity in which toe curls like a claw.
• Other foot deformities-Certain conditions, such as a bone spur, can cause constant rubbing inside our shoe.
• Not protecting our hands-Using hand tools without wearing gloves exposes our skin to excessive friction.

PREVENTION OF CORN CALLIOSITIES

• Wear shoes that give our toes plenty of room-If one can not wiggle their toes,their shoes are too tight. Have a shoe shop stretch their shoes at any point that rubs or pinches.
• Use protective coverings- Wear felt pads, nonmedicated corn pads or bandages over areas that rub against our footwear.One can also try toe separators or some lamb's wool between their toes.
• Wear padded gloves when using hand tools- Or try padding our tool handles with cloth tape or covers.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR CORN CALLIOSITIES

ANTIM CRUDE : Useful for large, horny corns on feet which may or may not be inflameThere is tenderness and pain is felt in the corns while walking.

SILICEA : Useful for sore and painful corn. There is feeling of burning or tearing pain.Useful in cases of corns between toes that tend to suppurate (discharge pus).There is excessive sweat with an offensive odour may be present on the foot

HEPAR SULPH : Useful for corns that tend to suppurate (have pus formation).Usefull for infected corn with pus formation and pricking pains. There is Burning, stinging pains which is highly sensitive to touch.

NITRIC ACID : Useful for corns with splinter-like sensation.There is sticking pains in corn. Usefull for thick, indurated (hardened) corns on the feet with pressing, tearing, aching and drawing pains.

RL-30 FOR WARTS, CORN & MOLE