Cornea, Calluses and Indurations in certain skin areas occur in many people and are sometimes found to be quite uncomfortable, because if left untreated, they can lead to painful complaints. Due to the callus, the mobility of the feet can be restricted.
What is cornea?
Cornea, which results from changes in the individual skin layers, has nothing to do with the cornea of the eye. In contrast to the functional cornea of the eye, the cornea on the feet or hands consists of dead skin cells, which are known as horn cells.
The cornea forms in predestined parts of the body due to various causes. The cornea, which is popularly known as calluses, becomes painful and extremely sensitive when it has developed into corns in the final stages. The cornea is much stronger and more resistant than the surrounding skin area.
causes
The cornea forms in particular in those body regions that are subject to permanent stress on the skin. These are primarily the insides of the hands and the soles of the feet as well as the tops of the toes.
The influence of pressure leads to a selective change in the upper layers of the skin in order to protect the areas below from injuries. In addition, easily irritable layers of skin on the heels or balls of the feet can tend to form calluses due to constant pressure.
The causes of calluses are mostly found in everyday situations, which may include too tight shoes, one-sided pressure and constant heavy work. This leads to the build-up of a corneal layer.
Diseases with this symptom
- Corns
- Hammer toe
- Obesity
Course & callus
If the stress pressure on the skin remains constant, it does not always react with rubbing layers of skin, so that blisters do not always appear. In the long run, initially barely noticeable skin thickening gradually develops, which only causes discomfort over time.
At the advanced stage, the corns appear, which are painful and require treatment. No pain is noticeable beforehand due to the dead corneal cells, because there are no nerve tracts in these layers. Only through the raised texture and the further pressure load can underlying skin areas be irritated.
The keratinization of the skin can also be the result of scars that are inadequately cared for. So-called bulge scars develop, which are characterized by a hardened and inelastic skin surface. After the wounds have healed, there is an increased formation of connective tissue, which contributes to hardening of the scar tissue.
The skin areas affected by the cornea are usually pressure-sensitive and dry. The dermatologist and the patient themselves notice the differences to healthy skin mostly by touching them. The cornea does not always have to cause discomfort.
Complications
Cornea is basically a good and vital thing: the body begins to protect often stressed areas. The military does nothing else with a tank, for example: make yourself invulnerable and you will survive. However, a callus can be a nuisance, especially in the cosmetic field. Models or other people who value their beauty cannot use a cornea because it simply doesn't look good.
Complications related to a cornea can arise if it occurs in sensitive areas. For example, if you have to work a lot with your hands, you will soon no longer have any feeling in your fingers, which in turn leads to a decrease in work. A heavy callus on the feet can cause a person to lose their natural fear of heat. That too can have consequences.
The treatment of a cornea can be done largely by yourself: there are files and other tools to reduce the cornea. There are also bath additives that are used solely to soften hard skin. However, it is best to either see a specialist. However, this is almost no longer possible in Germany under the healthcare reform. Remedies and ointments for calluses are also available on the Internet from reputable online shops. The cornea should therefore not be a problem for those affected.
When should you go to the doctor?
Those affected with cornea do not necessarily have to see a doctor. There are various methods for uncomplicated self-treatment. Since calluses occur particularly in areas of the body that are exposed to constant pressure or heavy loads, it forms mainly on the feet and occasionally on the hands. Cornea develops gradually and many only become aware of it when it causes symptoms.
Foot baths soften the callus and make filing easier. Often this is sufficient as a separate treatment. Questioning certain habits that favor calluses can also prevent: for example, different shoes, soft insoles or small pads attached to pressure points.
Calluses in the form of corns and calluses should better be entrusted to professionals. The risk of injury from improper self-treatment is too great. The use of medical foot care, also known under the professional title of podiatrist, should definitely be considered. A visit to a doctor is of course also recommended.
The dermatologist is considered a specialist in corneal problems. He not only knows how to treat the cornea directly, but also knows other possible related causes - such as scars that have an inelastic and hardened surface. If the cornea is particularly strong and difficult to treat, it may be necessary to consult a surgeon.
Doctors & therapists in your area
Treatment & Therapy
A large number of treatment-specific options for the appearance of a cornea are currently feasible. In addition to the medical therapy variants, relevant methods are also available as part of the foot care measures.
Calluses can also be treated with special plasters and additional skin padding in order to slow down their painfulness and new development. These remedies are simply glued to the skin positions predestined for the cornea or placed around the toes as small sponges. There, a point pressure load is prevented.
Pressure points that tend to form corneas can also be removed by surgical interventions. Effective medication can be used to treat an extensive range of clavus, the corneal areas. An active ingredient known under the name acitretin has proven useful.
As part of foot care activities, it is possible to soften partial corneal areas and then carefully remove them. However, this approach requires professionalism and experience, but it can also be done by the patient himself.
Outlook & forecast
Since the cornea is not an independent clinical picture, it is difficult in this context to give a prognosis or a prospect of the course of the disease. Callus is much more a kind of natural effect that occurs when the feet are stressed.
Under certain circumstances, however, the cornea can also take a rather undesirable course. If the feet are excessively stressed, there is a risk of cracks. Deep cracks in the skin, which may even become inflamed, are called cracks. If you suffer from dry skin under your feet and an extremely thick layer of callus, these are ideal conditions for cracks. If cracks are not treated, the cracks get deeper and deeper. In some cases, bacteria infect the open wounds, causing inflammation. In addition, there is the formation of pus, so a visit to the doctor is essential.
With an appropriate treatment, however, the formation of cracks can be counteracted very well. Medicines are used in a targeted manner to provide the skin with sufficient moisture. With one treatment or with sufficient moisture, cracks cannot develop in the first place. The cornea can also be removed with suitable tools. So that the underlying skin does not dry out, it can be moisturized e.g. Creams are supplied.
prevention
Home remedies ↵ for calluses Cornea is basically curable and can be avoided with appropriate prevention. This is based on avoiding too tight, pressing and rubbing shoes as well as regular foot care. This also includes rubbing the skin over the toe bones or other areas with nourishing and moisturizing ointments or creams. This also applies to the insides of the hands. In the case of various metabolic diseases, constant assessment of the skin is important in order to identify the cornea in good time.
You can do that yourself
Calluses can be removed painlessly with various home remedies and methods. The removal of the callus with the help of a pumice stone or a foot bath has proven to be particularly effective. In both cases, the feet can be treated either with hot water or with natural bath additives such as fruit vinegar, tea tree oil or Schüssler salts.
Himalayan or sea salt softens the cornea and can be used, for example, in preparation for treatment with a corneal rasp or an electric callous plane. Special creams with urea or salicylic acid support the treatment and help to remove the cornifications. Alternatively, lemon wedges, pure aloe vera juice or deer tallow ointment have also proven effective. An old method is also to place warm chamomile packets on the desired skin area. For light calluses, a gentle peeling with salt or sugar and olive oil will also help.
Possible alternatives are wild garlic lotions, shrink ointment from the pharmacy or blister plasters that are applied to the cornea for 24 hours. Australian tea tree oil can be applied to the cornea several times a day and has a softening and pain-relieving effect on the cornea. Heavily hardened calluses should always be removed professionally.
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