Callosity

 

Callosity is an excessively cornified area of skin as a result of hyperkeratosis, repeated friction, pressure or excessive skin removal in the areas of the heads of foot bones. It is a yellowish growth of irregular shape, smooth surface and unclear edges. It is most frequently formed on the sole under the head of the mid foot bone, on the heel or under the big toe in response to repeated irritation and pressure. These areas are deprived of proper blood supply and the cells gradually die forming rough, calloused layer. Burning sensation caused by callosity is sometimes accompanied by pain and causes growing discomfort while walking.

Callosity afflicts women more often than men.

Factors predisposing for callosity:

  • wearing high-heeled shoes for many years
  • body weight imbalance (spinal curvature, overload, injuries)
  • incorrect gait
  • foot deformity (flat foot, high arch)
  • obesity
  • subcutaneous tissue atrophy in the sole
  • unprofessional pedicure

Trying to remove callosity on one’s own by scrubbing, cutting it out with razors, cutters, scissors or pumice is actually counterproductive as it stimulates the skin to grow and cornify.

Cutting the skin, in turn, may cause infection.

Callosity can be lastingly removed by a specialist in podology who will skillfully mill out the calloused layer and apply keratin-dissolving and softening products. Proper protection of the treated area with the appropriate orthosis or insole is an extremely important after-treatment element as it will enable even body weight distribution.

A successful and complete callosity removal depends on several factors such as the patient’s age, weight and callosity severity. It can last between 6-12 months and the patient’s involvement in the recommended care procedures is of great importance here.

Untreated callosity adversely affects the posture and gait, which eventually causes patients to feel pain in their backbone, hips, legs, knees and feet (a distinctive burning sensation in the mid foot can be particularly tiresome in summertime).Callosity left untreated for a long time may lead to callous formation!!!

Callosity prevention and risk-reducing hints:

  • regular, everyday foot care (moisturising and oiling)
  • foot massage
  • using pressure relief insoles
  • avoiding high heels, selecting comfortable footwear
  • scrubbing every 2 weeks or once a month

Photo gallery of cases:

Patient 1. – A young girl, who spent a lot of time walking and standing, tried scrubbing off the horny skin and callosity every day, which ultimately led to deep callosity, burning sensation in her midfoot and trouble walking.

We processed the foot skin with a mill, which produced an impressive effect after the first visit. Keratin-dissolving and softening agents greatly improved the look of the feet and relieved the discomfort but the patient’s self-discipline in everyday foot care will be necessary.

Before treatment:

After treatment:

Patient 2. – A woman who had never had any feet problem  ventured to self-treat her skin with a razor, locally cutting out her skin completely. She mutilated her top parts of toes, heels and midfoot so badly that walking was virtually impossible.

She was only able to move around the house stepping on pillows. She initiated dermatological treatment which finally healed the wounds. However, callosity appeared and the patient tried to have it removed at beauty salons. We processed the skin with a mill and used skin softening baths, softening and keratin-dissolving agents. We also selected appropriate toe orthoses and pressure relief insoles and gave the patient detailed guidelines for everyday foot care and treatment.

A total treatment time amounted to 2 years and the patient underwent 5 surgeries at our clinic. Simultaneously, the patient systematically carried out our recommendations and applied suggested products.

Before treatment:

After treatment:

Patient 3.

Photo.1. Before treatment, Photo 2. After treatment

Patient 4.

Photo.1. Before treatment, Photo 2. After treatment

Patient 5.

Photo.1. Before treatment, Photo 2. After treatment

Pocket

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