Page 27 - MAYO CLINIC Head to Toe e-magazine 293700

28 Preventing and treating corns

and calluses

Try these tips to keep skin from developing thick, hardened layers:
• Wear comfortable shoes
Wear shoes that don’t cramp your toes Consider soft, leather shoes
or open-toe sandals Soft insoles cushion your feet
• Adjust your walking style

Walking on the sides of your feet can produce calluses and corns If
you tend to wear down one side of the heels of your shoes, you may
be shifting your weight unevenly as you walk Ask your primary
care doctor or a foot doctor (podiatrist) if a shoe insert (orthotic
device) could help distribute your weight more evenly
• Safeguard your skin
Pharmacies and medical supply stores sell a variety of products such
as tufts of lamb’s wool, nonmedicated corn pads and toe coverings
to protect your skin
• Try home treatment
Gently rub thickened skin with a towel or pumice stone after bathing
Don’t try to remove all of the toughened skin at once — this process
may take a week or longer Don’t trim a corn or callus, especially
if you have diabetes or circulation problems — you might introduce
an infection If you have diabetes or circulation problems, avoid
over-the-counter foot care products that contain salicylic acid
• Get professional help
If a corn or callus becomes an open sore (ulcerated), see your 30
doctor Don’t delay, especially if you have diabetes or circulation
problems — a simple problem can quickly turn into a serious one
29 Warming up cold hands and feet

If your hands and feet always seem to be cold, try these simple
measures to keep warm:
• Wear warm clothes
This keeps your whole body warm and helps maintain circulation to
your hands and feet Layer clothing for indoor as well as outdoor
wear Try wearing a long-sleeve, silk camisole or shirt under a

26 Mayo Clinic