A callus is a hardness that appears on tissue as a result of pressure or friction in the area.
A callus is a hardness that is generated in plant or animal tissues as a result of friction or pressure exerted on the area.
This stimulus causes the death of those cells that remain in the epidermis and are then compacted, generating an accumulation of keratin . This produces the hardening of the skin known as callus.
Calluses - a term that comes from the Latin word callum - generally appear on the elbow , hand or foot , since they are areas that are usually subject to friction. When the skin is overloaded, the body develops a callus as a defense mechanism. Callus formation is also known as hyperkeratosis .
Calluses on the feet
Calluses can be removed by a specialist through different methods. In any case, it is essential to know why the callus is generated since, otherwise, it will reappear after being removed. If a callus appears on a foot, for example, a podiatrist must analyze the situation to discover what caused the foot to function abnormally.
Calluses on the feet generally occur as a result of the toes rubbing against certain shoes , especially if the size is not appropriate or if the person spends too many hours on their feet each day. Those that develop on top of the fingers or on the edges cause a hard scab to form; On the other hand, those that appear between the fingers are soft, since they remain moist.
Posture problems are one of the most common causes of calluses, especially when combined with the use of high heels, although they can also occur as a result of their use. Although the podiatrist usually carries out the removal of the callus, his main role is to give the patient certain advice to prevent the problem from recurring.
Your treatment
Although there are over-the-counter medications to treat foot calluses, it is recommended to go to an expert to carry out the relevant observation and indicate the most appropriate treatment . As mentioned above, the podiatrist must study the case to determine the cause of the callus formation, since it is the product of a pre-existing condition.
To remove calluses on the feet we have several options: while most people go to a podiatrist, others prefer to do it at home. To do this, it is necessary to heat water until it reaches a comfortable temperature and fill a container in which we can soak our feet for approximately ten minutes, so that the callus softens. Next, we must rub the affected area with a pumice stone or any other similar instrument, such as a file.
It is usually necessary to repeat this process several times until the callus is completely removed. For calluses that appear between the fingers, it is recommended to purchase silicone foam wedges, which serve to reduce the degree of friction and pressure.
Pieces of stewed beef stomach are the main ingredient in Madrid-style tripe.
Other uses of the term callus
The concept of callus is also used to name the scar that is generated where the parts of a bone that had been fractured and that is now recovering its continuity meet; at the ends of a horseshoe ; and to the plates that are used to reinforce the hooves of some animals .
In the field of gastronomy , tripe are pieces of beef stomach that are stewed. One of the most popular recipes with this ingredient is Madrid-style tripe , which also includes blood sausage and chorizo and is prepared with tomato sauce, garlic and various spices.