CALLUS:
Callus is the hardening and thickening of the skin as a result of continuous or repeated friction or pressure.
Causes:
As defined above, the cause of the callus is repeated friction and pressure on the sole.
Diabetes affects nerves and blood vessels, as a result of which, people do not realize the pressure on their feet. This in turn forms callus.
Callus is harmful because it increases sole pressure to a large extent, which in turn lead to ulceration and infection.
Symptoms:
Pain, itching, irritation can be the presenting symptoms in a few patients. In diabetes, there can be absolutely no symptoms (because of Neuropathy), hardening of the part is the only presenting complaint in many.
Treatment:
As callus is not a disease but a mechanical problem caused due to pressure, its prevention is ideal and better than treatment. But if a callus is already formed, following are the steps to treat it
- Excision Of the callus with aseptic precaution. This is a simple procedure which can be performed by a specialist in the clinic. Local anesthesia is not always required especially in dry callus (without infection) but may be needed if the callus is deep and infected.
- Antibiotics are prescribed if the callus is infected and spreading.
- Strict sugar control.
- Most important is preventing the recurrence which can be done with the help of proper customized footwear( by offloading the pressure or avoiding the friction).
