Plantar calluses - pathogenesis, risk factors, prophylaxis, methods of treatment

Abstract

Calluses are one of the forms of cutaneous hyperkeratosis. The problem of their occurrence applies to people of all ages, with a special tendency among older people. The cause of their formation is local damage to the skin of feet secondary to the impact of excessive shear forces and pressure. Symptoms that accompany foot calluses, beyond the adverse cosmetic effect, are pain and abnormalities in gait and balance. Increased occurrence of calluses has been observed with other medical conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, which is related to the synergistic effect of risk factors. Currently, in the treatment of foot calluses, local chemical agents are used to accelerate the exfoliation of excessively cornified layers of the skin, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, the use of orthoses and removal of calluses using a scalpel. In the case of unsatisfactory results, it also goes to advanced surgical treatment.