There are many agents to which the feet are exposed daily, such as temperature and footwear, whose texture and size can directly affect their skin.
Calluses are produced by an excess in the production of keratin and the increase in the thickness of the horny layer and can alter the footprint in addition to causing damage to the rest of the body. Knowing and establishing differences between these injuries avoids the appearance of complications and allows the implementation of measures that prevent their proliferation in the different areas of the foot.
Read on in this FastlyHealarticle to determine the differences between a callus and a nail on the foot.
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What is corn on the foot?
Corns are lesions known as localized hyperkeratosis. They occur when the skin hardens and becomes thick. They usually appear in places where there is repetitive and prolonged friction.
The skin on some feet areas becomes thicker, more challenging, and yellowish, and corns can be a form of protection against friction or constant pressure.
The use of large or very tight shoes can cause inflammation of the peripheral soft tissues causing pain that can make walking impossible. Corns on the feet cause significant pain since it is necessary to lean on them to walk constantly.
Corns appear outside the big and little toes or even in the heel area.
What is a nail in the foot?
A nail in the foot is an injury to the foot, which becomes thick and hard and is characterized by the presence of a yellow hardness surrounded by a softer part. It often appears on the toes.
This injury is produced by a thickening of the keratin of a callus or a hardness. Later, it grows into the skin of the foot in the form of concentric sheets, giving rise to the formation of a nail.
Nails in the feet are formed by continuous pressure or rubbing over and even in the interdigital spaces of the toes. This often happens when tight shoes are worn, especially in football.
For more information, see the article Nails in the feet: causes and how to remove them.
What are the differences between callus and nail on foot?
Both injuries occur by the exact mechanism, but the callus and the nail in the foot have individual differences, such as the following:
- Corns are painless, unlike nails, which are very painful due to their close location to multiple nerve endings.
- Corns are larger: they are approximately 2.5 cm long and have a thick part of dead skin, while nails are small, as well as deep, pinpoint lesions.
- Nails can be seen, one or more of them on the toes, unlike corns, which appear under the heel, on a bunion, or next to the big toe.
When the nails are removed, they leave a deep hole in the foot area where it is located. Next, they must be disinfected and apply medicine for their healing. Calluses are removed by rubbing or filing them with a file until the hardness is removed.
How to prevent calluses and nails on the foot
Podiatrists are in charge of treating these types of injuries. Once they appear, these specialists will give you a series of recommendations that will help prevent their reappearance:
- It is necessary to maintain good hygiene of the feet, which implies proper drying after showering. Drying should be done between the fingers with particular attention to avoid humidity and the formation of hardness in the interdigital area.
- Avoid subjecting your feet to constant pressure or friction using very large or small shoes that exert force in a particular area.
- Choosing soft and comfortable footwear is one way to prevent the appearance of nails and calluses on your feet.
- Worry about alternating shoes even though you feel good about wearing a particular one. In this way, you can give your feet a rest, thus avoiding the pressure or constant friction that it can exert on a specific area of the foot.
- Both moisturizers and petroleum jelly after daily foot hygiene are essential to keep the skin hydrated and prevent the appearance of calluses or nails on the feet.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Differences between callus and nail on foot, we recommend that you enter our category of Skin, hair, and nails.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.