Have you ever wondered what happens if calluses are left untreated? Most people don’t think too much about them, but there are circumstances where untreated calluses can have damaging effects on your hands or feet. First and foremost, it is important to understand what calluses are.

Calluses are the dry, hardened areas of skin that form due to repeated friction. Rubbing, irritation, or excess pressure on hands or feet can result in calluses. Many weightlifters, gymnasts, and people who play guitar experience calluses on their hands. Additionally, runners may experience foot or toe calluses.

Still, calluses do not just happen to athletes. Shoes that don’t fit properly is the most common cause of foot calluses. Second to that is walking around without socks, or a preexisting medical condition that impairs the alignment of the bones in your feet. 

There are several remedies for treating calluses, some of which include using intensive moisturizing foot creams like those available at Sorevna. Some people, however, choose not to treat their calluses. While calluses are not usually a major health concern and will typically disappear on their own, there are cases where this can take months to years. There are also instances where untreated calluses may lead to other, more serious health conditions including:

• Callus pain
• Pain in other parts of the body
• Tenderness near the callus
• Pus draining from the callus
• Discolored callus
• Split skin
• Swelling
• Fever

The concern with the symptoms mentioned above is of an infection that may have formed due to the callus. Calluses form due to a buildup of dead skin. The longer dead skin is around, the more chance there is for an infection to form. While infections due to calluses don’t happen to everyone, they should be taken into consideration as possibilities and reasons for not leaving calluses untreated.

In the most severe cases where individuals have diabetes, poor circulation, or other serious health conditions, calluses can be extremely problematic. Infections that other people may be able to fight off naturally could be cause for serious concern.

The good news is that there are several remedies to prevent calluses from forming in the first place. Regularly moisturizing your feet and hands with intensive foot and hand creams can help keep skin soft and hydrated. Wearing properly fitting socks and shoes may also help reduce the risk of calluses forming. Athletes like gymnasts and weightlifters might consider wearing protective gloves as well.

If you have calluses on your hands or feet that have already formed, the best course of action is to follow our guide on how to treat calluses. This informational piece provides insight into the steps you need to take to keep your hands and feet in the best possible condition.

For additional information and to learn more about how Sorevna can help you, contact us today!