Amelia Grant

Many people develop blisters, corns, and calluses on their feet that cause unpleasant symptoms and can even make it difficult to wear shoes. In most cases, they occur because of uncomfortable shoes but there are other factors that can make you more prone to get these skin issues. In this article, we will tell you everything you should know about blisters, corns, and calluses.

What are blisters?

Blisters are small lesions that usually result from prolonged friction, which separates the outer layers of the skin. The space created by this separation contains a clear fluid that is often mistaken for pus but is actually lymph. Blisters are one of your body's protection mechanisms against rubbing since they form a protective layer for the underlying tissues. But the main problem is that blisters are usually very delicate and fragile. They can tear at the slightest rubbing and this can lead to infection.

What are corns?

Corns are thickened areas of the skin that develop on the feet and hands. In most cases, corns are caused by rubbing and pressing against the skin. They tend to develop in a circle on the bony sides of the fingers, heels, and toes.

What are calluses?

A callus is a collection of hard skin, usually on the soles and underside of the foot. In most cases, calluses occur because of uneven weight distribution, usually in the lower forefoot or heel. However, calluses can also be caused by poor-fitting shoes or skin abnormalities. 

Symptoms of blisters, corns, and calluses

Symptoms of blisters include:

- A bubble of skin filled with fluid

- Pain in the affected area

- Redness and itching

Symptoms of corns include:

- A thick, rough patch of skin

- Hardened convex lump

- Tenderness or pain under the skin

- Flaky, dry, or waxy skin

Symptoms of calluses include:

- A thick build-up of dead skin

- Pain in the heel or ball of the foot

Causes of blisters, corns, and calluses

Blisters, corns, and calluses develop as a natural reaction of the skin to rubbing, improper weight distribution, and ill-fitted shoes. People who don’t wear socks and have dry feet are more likely to develop blisters, corns, and calluses.

You should also know that some food issues can also be accompanied by blisters, corns, and calluses. The most common of them are bunions, hammertoes, bone spur, and other foot deformities that make it difficult to wear shoes. 

Treatment options for blisters, corns, and calluses

In most cases, blisters don’t require any treatment while corns and calluses can be removed with the help of a pumice stone. Buf is you experience pain or have other health issues that aggravate your conditions, it is better to contact a podiatry clinic and undergo proper treatment. 

Prevention tips

To prevent blistering, keep your feet dry as blisters build up from heat and moisture, so choose shoes that minimize sweating. Avoid wearing airtight shoes such as rubber boots for extended periods. Choose ventilated athletic shoes whenever possible.

Choose the right socks for your activity. You can also use a drying powder for your feet if needed. It is also important to choose the right footwear for your activity. If your shoes have enough room to keep your feet free, use two pairs of socks to minimize friction between your feet and the shoe.

If you want to avoid corns and calluses, you need to use body lotions and creams to moisturize your skin. You should get rid of the shoes that are causing the problem. Soak your feet in a foot bath and remove dead skin cells with a light scrub on a regular basis. Otherwise, they will accumulate and form corns or calluses.

There are a lot of protective pads or toe separators on the market that are designed to protect the various friction or pressure zones on your feet. They help relieve pain or discomfort caused by blisters, corns, and calluses.