Ingrown callus

Among all kinds of dry calluses in terms of prevalence is the leading ingrown callus - an unpleasant growth that usually appears in the foot area and causes its owner a lot of discomfort. It is difficult to get rid of such a problem, but nothing is impossible: the main thing is to provide a comprehensive approach and affect the callus in all available ways.

Epidemiology

Most often, an ingrown callus is formed in the area of the foot, more specifically in the area between the toes. The gaps near the big toe and second toe or near the little finger are predominantly affected.

When the sole is affected, the middle part of the heel or the pad below the toes is most commonly affected.

The formation of ingrown calluses on the hands is least common, but they are sometimes found in the palm or finger area.

Ingrown calluses are diagnosed equally often in men and women. The average age of patients is 30-55 years.

Causes of the ingrown callus

The main reasons for the formation of an ingrown callus can be as follows:

• Wearing uncomfortable or inadequate footwear;
• Frequent wearing of shoes with high heels, narrow toes, rough inserts and seams;
• Frequent trauma to the skin on the foot, leading to accelerated keratinization processes;
• fungal or viral skin diseases;
• inadequate foot skin care;
• excessive sweating of the feet.

Additional factors are:

• overweight;
• bad habits;
• Excessively sensitive skin prone to calluses, warts, corns.

Risk factors

Such factors greatly increase the risk of an ingrown callus:

• deformed toes, joint distortions;
• curvature of the axis and arch of the foot;
• diabetes;
• obesity;
• Frequent swelling in the legs - for example, related to cardiovascular disease.

Some experts say that poorly treatable ingrown corns theoretically appear as a result of a failure in the work of internal organs. For example, the localization of the growth below the little finger of the right foot indicates a problem with the liver, and the left foot - on the side of the heart and blood vessels. Violations of the endocrine system are manifested by an ingrown callus in the area of the big toes. Heels suffer as a result of intestinal disorders or joint diseases. [1]

Pathogenesis

The first stage of the development of an ingrown callus consists in the prolonged or regular exposure to any pathogenetic factor, or a combination of such factors. A wet callus is formed in the skin layers, or the damaged skin is gradually transformed into a dry callus: outgrowths in the absence of competent treatment grow deeper, acquiring an ingrown form.

Such formations practically do not lend themselves to monotherapy, requiring a comprehensive approach. This problem consists not only of an unsightly and unaesthetic appearance, but also a number of painful symptoms:

• pain;
• a forced change in gait;
• Improperly distributed load on the joints of the limb.

In addition, calluses can become periodically inflamed, which creates additional difficulties.

Symptoms of the ingrown callus

What is an ingrown callus? It is usually a different-sized area of particularly thick and even hard skin - a rough bump on the surface that is sensitive, often painful and uncomfortable, especially when walking. The bump itself may be flaky, but sometimes appears dry and waxy.

The first signs of the problem usually appear during active movement or prolonged standing on the feet. The person feels unpleasant burning, tingling and even pain in a certain place of the foot or between the toes. A closer look reveals a wart-like neoplasm, smooth or with a small depression in the central part. If the patient presses on the growth, the patient will notice an increase in pain.

An ingrown callus on the toe does not always hurt: it is often noticed accidentally, mistaking it for a mole or wart. If such a formation does not hurt and does not cause discomfort, it can be left untreated, following only the basic rules of prevention of complications.

Another thing is an ingrowing callus between the toes, the presence of which is accompanied by pronounced painful sensations. If the patient suffers from excessive sweating or his skin is characterized by increased dryness, such calluses are easily damaged, they have cracks, which then easily penetrate the infection - more often fungal or bacterial. This type of growth is recommended to remove without delay, preferably surgically.

No less discomfort is caused by an ingrown callus on the little finger. This neoplasm often appears in women who prefer to wear shoes with a narrow front part. Constant friction of the little finger against the shoe leads to the fact that develops first wet, and then ingrown dry callus. Sometimes the situation can be remedied by changing the model of shoes or wearing special protective devices for the little toe.

The most painful is the rod callus, which has a long rod that grows deep into the tissue. Remove such an outgrowth is the most difficult, because the rod must be removed completely. Any remaining element in the skin will later serve as "material" for the recurrence of the problem.

Complications and consequences

If an ingrown callus is treated incorrectly, picking it, trying to cut it off or remove it in any other way, an inflammatory process associated with the attachment of infection can begin. Through cuts and microcracks into the callus get bacteria, fungal flora, an inflammatory reaction is provoked. Symptoms of such a reaction are:

• redness of the ingrown callus and the area around it;
• swelling;
• pain both with and without pressure.

After some time, the callus softens, pus accumulates in it, which subsequently bursts out. If the purulent process spreads further to the nearest healthy skin, an abscess or phlegmon may form. In addition, the development of osteomyelitis, lesions of synovial membranes and joints of the foot is possible.

Diagnostics of the ingrown callus

Most often, the doctor diagnoses a callus by its appearance alone. Differential diagnosis is carried out with hangnails, inflammatory swelling in arthritis of the metatarsal bones, Morton's disease, genetic hyperorogenesis of the skin. Many warts in the foot area look very similar to an ingrown callus. However, a wart is more sensitive and may hurt when you try to scrape it off with your fingernail. A callus, on the other hand, hurts if you press it with your finger or step on the affected part of the sole.

Tests for the diagnosis of calluses are rarely taken, and only to exclude certain painful conditions, the doctor may prescribe general clinical examinations, biopsy and histologic examination of the growth.

Instrumental diagnosis is appropriate when other diseases are suspected. However, X-ray examination is often performed, for example, to clarify the degree of foot deformities, to determine the degree of flat feet, etc.

If necessary, it may be necessary to consult other specialists: endocrinologist, phlebologist, neurologist, orthopedist and so on.

Treatment of the ingrown callus

An ingrown callus does not always require treatment: for example, if it does not bother you, you can only use preventive methods to prevent the problem from getting worse. To alleviate friction and pressure on the growth, which often bothers during walking, use special callus protectors and pads: felt, rubber, silicone. To protect the fingers, muffs or separators are used.

If a bothersome ingrown callus appears, first of all, it is necessary to neutralize the cause of the problem: change shoes, stabilize weight. If the callus is the result of joint curvature or flat feet, then you need to consult with an orthopedic specialist. You may have to wear special orthopedic shoes or supinators.

Some patients require correction of metabolism, taking additional vitamins, drugs to improve blood circulation. If the ingrown callus is a consequence of bone and joint deformities, additional help is sought from an orthopedist.

However, in most cases, it is necessary to seek the help of a surgeon.

Medications for ingrown corns

Doctors can recommend a number of different medications designed to eliminate ingrown calluses. Such drugs are sold in pharmacies in the form of therapeutic patches, gels, creams, solutions for external use. [2] Let's talk about the most popular and available means:

• Cream from ingrown callus "Antimosol Super" has moisturizing and softening abilities. With regular use, the overgrowth is gradually removed. The composition of the drug is represented by plant ingredients that provide bactericidal and softening effect of the cream. Possible side effects - allergic reaction.
• Plaster from ingrown calluses "Salipod" is a well-known remedy with softening antibacterial action. It is convenient to use: according to the instructions, the patch is glued along the contour of the callus immediately after a hot foot bath, and removed after two days. Re-glued - and so on up to 4 times, until the growth is not softened and not separated from healthy skin. Possible side effects: allergy, contact dermatitis, redness of the skin in the area of application.
• Keratolytic gel preparation Roaccutane is an external agent that promotes exfoliation of keratinized skin cells. The composition of Roaccutane is represented by salicylic, lactic, boric, citric and benzoic acids that destroy dry ingrown callus. Before the first application of the remedy it is necessary to make sure that there is no allergy to acids.
• Ferezol oil solution is a remedy based on phenol and tricresol. It is characterized by antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal action, cauterizes and promotes the separation of the callus from healthy skin. The drug is continuously smeared on the growth for one hour. A repeat procedure can be carried out after 14 days. The course of treatment of ingrown corns can consist of 4-5 such procedures. To avoid getting the means on healthy skin, it should be sealed with a plaster. Side effects: burning, allergies in the area of application.
• Compid patch for ingrown calluses based on hydrocolloid creates a maximally moist environment on a limited area of the skin, thanks to which it softens and the callus detaches. The patch is applied to previously steamed and dried skin and left to act for 3-4 days. If the patch peels off before this time, it is replaced with a fresh one. Possible side effects: individual hypersensitivity.

Vitamins

Do not forget that the risk of ingrown calluses is greatly increased against the background of weakened immune defense and lack of various vitamins in the body - for example, A, E and B group.

You can take monopreparations, or vitamin complexes: which one to choose, the doctor will tell you.

• Aevit is a complex of the two most important vitamins for the skin: A and E. Perfectly softens and gives elasticity to the skin.
• Alphabet Cosmetic is a complete vitamin and mineral complex with iodine, selenium, magnesium, ascorbic and folic acid, inulin.
• Complivit radiance is a vitamin and mineral preparation that helps regulate redox processes in the body. It contains 11 vitamins and 8 mineral components.
• Vitrum Beauty is a complex preparation that stimulates regeneration processes and improves the structure of the skin. In addition to vitamins and minerals, it contains plant extract of horsetail.
• Perfectil - capsules to normalize the natural moisture of the skin, helps even with dermatitis and psoriasis. The composition is represented by 9 vitamins, 14 minerals, plant extracts of burdock and echinacea.

Physiotherapy treatment

In addition to medication and other treatments for ingrown corns, physiotherapy is particularly popular. It is practiced both in dermatological clinical centers and in cosmetology departments. The procedures are aimed at mechanical removal of the growth with the least possible discomfort for the patient.

• Cryodestruction method - getting rid of the neoplasm by means of controlled rapid freezing of tissues with liquid nitrogen.
• Diathermocoagulation is a procedure to cauterize callus growths with a high-precision electric current.
• Radiowave method - removal of the mass with a Surgitron (radio knife), using high frequency radio waves.
• Electrocoagulation is a method of cauterizing neoplasms with a special needle electrode.

The listed methods of getting rid of ingrown calluses are characterized by sufficient efficiency and low traumatic. However, there is still a small risk of reappearance of the problem in the same place, so many patients prefer a more radical surgical removal of calluses.

Folk treatment

At the initial stage of formation of ingrown corns practiced fifteen-minute hot foot baths with the addition of a couple of tablespoons of baking soda. During the procedure, the growth softens and is well amenable to the action of a pumice stone: dead skin layers are gradually removed.

Baths can be replaced by applying a freshly prepared paste of 1 tsp. Of baking soda powder and a couple of drops of lemon juice on the ingrown callus. The place of damage is covered with a band-aid and left overnight. The morning the plaster is removed and treat the callus with a wet pumice stone. This treatment is repeated every day, until completely get rid of the growth.

Fresh lemon juice is also successfully used. It is applied to the area of the ingrown callus three times a day. You can complicate the procedure, making it more effective: the juice is mixed with a small amount of brewer's yeast to make a paste-like mass. Neyu lubricate the growth with a fairly dense layer, cover with a bandage and leave until morning. Treatment is repeated daily until the desired effect is achieved.

Herbal treatment

Ingrown corns are effectively and affordably removed with the help of herbal remedies. Their use has been practiced for hundreds of years, and even nowadays many people prefer to use herbs instead of expensive pharmacy drugs. We offer you to familiarize yourself with the most popular and effective recipes that can get rid of such a scourge as an ingrown callus:

• Squeeze out the juice of the celandine plant, mix with grated raw potatoes, apply to the area of the callus. Fix with a bandage and kept overnight. Repeat regularly until the blister is eliminated.
• Squeeze out the juice of the aloe plant, mix it with grated quality laundry soap. The mass is applied to the callus, covered with a band-aid and kept overnight. Repeat the procedure daily.
• Make hot foot baths from an infusion of chamomile and calendula. After each procedure, the area of the callus is treated with a pumice stone.

You should not cut off an ingrown callus with scissors or a blade, as this can accelerate the growth of the formation, as well as trigger the development of inflammation.

Homeopathy

As an additional therapeutic remedy for ingrown calluses, it is reasonable to use homeopathic remedies. In order not to make a mistake and choose the most suitable drops or granules, you should consult with a homeopath, because without his help it is difficult to select a remedy and determine the dosage. The list of homeopathic remedies for the treatment of ingrown corns is quite broad:

• Antimonium crudum - prescribed for large calluses on the heels, for burning pain while walking.
• Acidum nitricum - used for calluses with "torn" edges.
• Ranunculus scleratus - prescribed to eliminate calluses accompanied by crushing pain, pulling sensations in the tendons.
• Lycopodium - used for throbbing, stabbing corns, sweaty feet.
• Sepia - suitable for getting rid of a painful and "drilling" ingrown callus that is prone to inflammation.
• Ferrum picrinicum - prescribed for calluses with yellowing.
• Hypericum - suitable for eliminating painful growths caused by prolonged friction of shoes.

Homeopathic remedies are taken for a long time. There is no need to be afraid of this, because the treatment is not accompanied by side symptoms. Homeopaths claim that a blister cured in this way will not recur.

Surgical treatment

The absolute leader in the treatment of ingrown calluses is the surgical method, because no keratolytic creams or other external preparations can penetrate all the affected tissues, if the growth has very deep roots. Even laser treatment sometimes leads to recurrence of the problem.

Removal of ingrown callus is a minor surgical intervention, with the mandatory fulfillment of all aseptic requirements: the operating field is treated with special solutions, the surgeon wears gloves. The procedure is carried out using local anesthesia. This is necessary, both in simple cases of initial development of ingrown corns, and in the case of old and deep processes.

The operation takes place in stages:

• the surgeon dissects out the callus;
• carefully makes the incision deep into the tissue;
• if a rod is present, grabs and extracts it.

A slightly more difficult operation occurs if the growth is present in the heel area. In this case, the incision will be deeper and healing will take longer.

Prevention

The first rule of ingrown corns prevention is as follows: do not skimp on shoes, choose quality and comfort. The health of the whole body depends on how comfortable your feet will be, without exaggeration. Boots, shoes and even slippers should be non-rigid, selected according to the size and shape of the foot.

It's fine if the socks are loose-fitting so they don't impinge on the movement of your toes.

From heels, too, you need to rest: everyday shoes should be light and comfortable. But do not overdo it, because the constant wearing of flat-soled shoes (or, for example, sneakers) is also not welcome.

Avoid sweaty feet, choose breathable shoes, and practice good hygiene.

Make sure the insole is cushioned, and if necessary, use extra inserts, separates, toe cuffs.

Get regular pedicures, take care of the skin on your feet, use pumice stone, don't forget about creams, foot baths and massage.

Do not allow excess weight to appear, periodically check blood sugar levels. Watch your diet: it should be nutritious, with a significant proportion of plant foods in the diet.

Forecast

Usually the quality of the prognosis depends on the stage at which the development of the disease was initiated competent comprehensive treatment. Removal of the growth at an early stage can avoid recurrence and completely get rid of the attack. Sometimes the problem can be solved by the usual change of shoes, correction of diet and taking multivitamin preparations. Self-treatment in such situations is not welcomed, as it is possible to develop complications. If the ingrown callus is old, or it has not tried to remove it more than once on their own, then it will be necessary to seek help from a professional specialist. Most often it is a surgeon who can remove the neoplasm together with the root or rod.