Why is the callus inflamed and what to do?
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
In addition to all the known problems associated with calluses, there is the threat of inflammation. The following is about why the callus is inflamed and what to do to relieve this inflammation.
Causes of the inflamed callus
As a rule, callus on the heel occurs at the place of chafed skin under prolonged mechanical impact and is wet or soft, i.e. With the formation of a pustule (blister). When the blister bursts, a small superficial wound is formed, and the reason for its inflammation is the entry of bacteria (infection). [1]
In a cone-shaped thickening of keratinized (i.e. Dead) keratinocytes forms inside the skin layers. If the foot callus rod becomes too thick or too long, it pushes into the soft tissues (especially deep in overweight people), causing damage with ulceration and necrosis.
If, for example, inflamed dry callus on the toe, the etiology of inflammation may be associated with attempts to remove the callus: violation of tissue integrity opens access to bacteria, the multiplication of which leads to the development of inflammation in the surrounding skin. Also read - Painful dry callus: what are the causes and what to do?
Risk factors
High risk factors for blister inflammation include immunodeficiency conditions, diabetes and venous blood flow problems in the lower extremities, and a history of rheumatoid arthritis.
Pathogenesis
In the inflammatory process, pathogenesis is due to a targeted defense reaction (response) to active pathogens or tissue cell damage, in which immunocompetent (antimicrobial) cells participate.
These are T-leukocytes, neutrophils, phagocytes, and inflammatory monocytes circulating in the blood that migrate to the site of infection and/or injury under the influence of pro-inflammatory cytokines (secreted by activated macrophages) and chemokines (signaling proteins that are produced by cells).
Symptoms of the inflamed callus
The first signs of an inflamed callus are red, swollen and hot to the touch skin around it. Symptoms such as pain and suppuration in the inflamed area also appear quickly. Inflammatory swelling stretches the epidermal layer of the skin and makes it shiny. And suppuration can be accompanied either by the release of serous-purulent or purulent exudate, or by the accumulation of pus with the formation of an abscess.
If a rod callus becomes inflamed, it can cause bleeding. [2]
Complications and consequences
Festering and ulceration of the skin are complications of callus inflammation. When it is localized on the fingers, panaricosis may develop.
If the infection spreads to the periosteum and bone tissues, their purulent and necrotic inflammation is possible - periostitis and ostitis; and the consequence of infection in the blood is blood poisoning - sepsis.
Diagnostics of the inflamed callus
If the callus is inflamed and painful, its examination may be sufficient for diagnosis, but may require ultrasound of the skin and subcutaneous fat in the area of inflammation.
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis includes plantar warts, keratopapilloma, palmar plantar psoriasis, plantar fasciitis.
Who to contact?
Treatment of the inflamed callus
Treatment of an inflamed callus should begin with treating it with antiseptics.
Also used topically Levomekol, Baneocin, Bactroban and other antibiotic ointments for wounds.
In case of suppuration, Dioxidine ointment, Vishnevsky ointment (liniment) is recommended. As noted by experts, fit almost all ointments for wound healing and most ointments that relieve inflammation.
Prevention
The prevention of inflammation of any calluses is to get rid of them, that is, to remove them.
Forecast
In the absence of negative consequences, the prognosis of timely and proper treatment of inflamed calluses is favorable.
A list of some of the books and studies related to the study of calluses
- "The Human Corn: Principles of Corn Formation and a Review of Relevant Disorders" - by David A. Greenberg (Year: 2000)
- "Atlas of Clinical Dermatology" - by Anthony Du Vivier (Year: different editions since 1996)
- "Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy" - by Thomas P. Habif (Year: various editions since 2009)
- "The Epidermis in Wound Healing" - by Joachim W. Fluhr, Howard I. Maibach (Year: 2003)
- "Skin Diseases in the Elderly: A Color Handbook" - by Daniel L. Stulberg, Steven R. Feldman (Year: 2009)
- "Pathophysiology of the Skin II: A Series of Topics in Dermatology" - by Peter Itin, Ralf Paus, Walter Burgdorf (Year: 2014)
- "The Corns Calluses and Bunions Workbook: The Self-Treatment Guide to Foot Pain Relief" - by Wilson J (Year: 2005)
- "Keratosis Pilaris: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References" - by James N. Parker, Philip M. Parker (Year: 2004)
- "Calluses - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References" - by James N. Parker, Philip M. Parker. Parker (Year: 2004)
Literature
Butov, Y. S. Dermatovenerology. National guide. Brief edition / edited by Y. S. Butov, Y. K. Skripkin, O. L. Ivanov. - Moscow : GEOTAR-Media, 2020.