Index
Calluses, also known as skin calluses, have as their main characteristic the hardened, thick and rigid area. It is a very common problem and can occur in any age group, even in children.
The main cause of callus in children is tight shoes or even intense and repeated friction of the skin with the shoe. Calluses can also appear on other areas of the body besides the feet, such as the hands and elbows. All areas that arise calluses are developed due to repeated friction.
It is very common for corns in children to appear in the “stretch marks” phase, where the child grows quickly and ends up with tight shoes with little time to use. It is necessary for parents to be aware of the growth of their feet and the use of comfortable shoes.
Footwear Selection Tips
- Opt for shoes with a rounded toe and wider, they are more comfortable;
- Leather or canvas shoes are usually more comfortable;
- Avoid plastic shoes that tend to get hotter than normal and hurt;
- Opt for shoes without heels or low soles;
- The sole should be of a material that facilitates the perspiration of the feet;
- Opt for rubber soles that reduce the risk of slipping.
The feet of children still in development are fragile and need careful attention and examination by their parents , in addition to attention to shoes used mainly in school, where they do many activities and need total comfort.
Worn out shoes, semi-open soles or with one side lower than the other, cause poor foot support and can damage the spine, due to misalignment. Changes in toenails complaints of pain in the legs or feet or even frequent stumbles can be signs of very tight shoes , stay tuned.
Corns do not cause more serious problems, but they can be quite uncomfortable, as they make the skin slightly thicker and harder in the area of friction. In the case of girls, it can be somewhat embarrassing to want to wear sandals and keep the affected area on display.
Callus Treatment in Children
Usually in simpler cases of corns in children, just stop using the footwear that is generating the corns is enough for it to disappear completely. But in more complex cases, some type of treatment or even a visit to a pediatrician or podiatrist may be necessary. There are cases of very hard, painful calluses that do not disappear easily.
Home Care Tips
Some precautions can help to hydrate and accelerate the healing of the callus site, such as:
- Exfoliants and moisturizers (help to remove hard skin);
- Lemon cream and patchouli (helps to soften and moisturize);
- Apple vinegar (speeds up the callus healing process).
During the warm bath, a light exfoliation can also be done until all “dead” skin is removed from the callus site. Over the course of the days, a new skin will be born leaving the place smooth again.
Exfoliation should be done gently, taking care not to hurt or bleed. If it hurts the callus site, it can generate an infection and further aggravate the site, instead of resolving it.
The remedies and medications that are used to eliminate calluses and warts are called keratolytics and antipapillomatous and are not indicated for child use. They have in their composition:
- Salicylic acid;
- Lactic acid;
- Fluorouracilo;
- Urea.
Therefore, do not use any medication that promises to resolve the calluses without the prescription of a specialized doctor or the release of the pediatrician. Instead of solving, it can generate more serious problems for the child’s health.
In place of salicidal medications, there are gel options on the market that promise to eliminate calluses. They naturally offer the softening of the hardened layer and treating the area in a delicate way. Talk to your pediatrician to find the best treatment for your child.
See also: What are warts and how to eliminate them?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
