Calluses and corn on the feet can hinder mobility. When calluses get thick and dry they can split and cause bleeding, which is an issue for diabetics. Their condition can worsen and even lead to amputation. Therefore it is wise for diabetics to regularly have their feet checked at the nearby podiatrist clinic.
In Irvine, Dr. Sima Soltani has been treating patients with foot and ankle issues for more than 20 years. For stem cell therapy, bunion surgery, custom orthotics, toenail fungus and corn removal Orange County the locals visit Podiatrist Irvine Clinic.
Are corns and calluses different?
Repetitive pressure and friction on a specific skin area cause formation of thigh layers that harden and are called corns and calluses. Due to repeated friction skin tries to cover itself for protection with thick layers that harden. The main difference between corn and callus is their appearance. When the central area is hardened inflamed skin surrounds it.
Calluses occupy large areas like heels and the front part underneath the foot, while corns are small and have distinct borders. Corns are found on feet or hands and cannot deal with much pressure. Callus formation is a way of skin protecting itself from repetitive pressure and is not associated with pain. The issue only arises when the callus gets too thick, dry, and splits making you vulnerable to infection.
Corn and callus symptoms
- Raised, rough, and hard skin in the affected area
- Skin is dry or flaky
- Tender and painful
- Burning sensation
- Visible cracks and bleeding
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is time to visit the podiatrist.
What are the risks associated with calluses?
Calluses are not a serious issue but with the right medical problem or under the right circumstances they can turn into a dilemma. Calluses that turn too thick are hard for home treatment and need podiatrist care. When the calluses thicken and dry they can split due to weight redistribution and bleed or get infected. Prevention is better!
Unfortunately, if calluses are abnormal and other symptoms accompany it is time to visit Podiatrist Irvine Clinic.
- Swelling
- Fever
- Pain when you move or stand
- Tenderness
- Pus
- Split in the skin
- Discoloration
Calluses that split open and get infected complicate things like infection spread to the blood or bone. Blood infection can cause blood poisoning, which can be fatal. For diabetics, the infection can turn into an ulcer. An open sore that does not heal means disaster to diabetic patients. It is sensible to be safe and consider callus removal Irvine treatment seriously.
How do podiatrists remove the calluses?
If the callus is larger than die, ulcerated, or causing pain has to be removed. Small corns are reversible by switching shoes, wearing arch support, and wearing thick socks. If you have diabetes, it is sensible to have the podiatrist treat the callus.
Podiatrists remove the callus manually with a sterile surgical blade or an electric tool slowly and methodically from the callused area. First, one dead layer of skin is removed skillfully with the surgical blade. After all the dead skin layers are cut out, you will see live skin. The podiatrist will smooth the callous edges with a pumice stone, apply antiseptic and bandage it.
If the callus has cracks or has ulcerated, there may be a need to remove the infection underneath dead skin. For this, local anesthesia is employed to numb the callused area. A cortisone injection is given to decrease the pain and inflammation in the affected area. Diabetic patients may need surgical callus removal if the callus infection is deep and the podiatrist feels it may not respond to conventional treatment. Laser corn removal is also a safe therapy to replace a scalpel.
What is laser corn removal treatment?
A special laser type is used for removing the calluses. Laser callus removal Orange County is focused to minimize recurrences of highly fibrous corn reformation. The small vessels feeding the area are coagulated successfully.
- The foot with a callus is soaked for some time in a mixture of disinfectant solution and warm water for 60 minutes.
- Local anesthesia is applied around the callus with a fine needle. It helps to avoid discomfort during the process and makes treatment painless.
- Excess skin around the affected area is scraped and removed.
- The laser is carefully maneuvered around the callus to detach altered skin cells and remove them.
- Bleeding is stopped in a few minutes and vessels are cauterized.
- The bandage is applied to the area to keep it clean.
- Oral antibiotics and topical antiseptics are prescribed to avoid post-treatment infections.
Post laser corn removal recovery
After the removal of the callus, the podiatrist gives guidelines on how to take care of the wound. Keep it clean, to avoid infection and complications. The expected recovery time is 2 to 7 days depending on the patient.
However, within those days you will have to limit physical activities, avoid putting pressure on the treated foot and wear loose slippers or shoes. Avoid baths and saunas, no long hours in the water, and clean wounds with an antiseptic solution as per the podiatrist’s instructions.
Laser surgery benefits include complete removal of the callus in a single session that lasts for a few minutes. The procedure is under local anesthesia, so there is no discomfort. So, the process is safe, fast, and successful!