Shaving off ginormous painful plantar calluses and corns is a medical procedure typically performed by a podiatrist or a dermatologist. These thickened, hardened areas of skin can form on the soles of the feet (plantar calluses) or on the toes (corns), often due to pressure or friction. The process is aimed at reducing discomfort and preventing further complications, like infection or difficulty walking.
Here’s a breakdown of how the procedure is generally done:
1. Evaluation and Preparation
- Patient History and Assessment: The healthcare provider will first assess the calluses and corns to determine their size, location, and severity. They will also consider the underlying cause, such as improper footwear, foot deformities, or pressure from walking.
- Cleaning the Area: The feet are thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection during the procedure.
2. Anesthesia (Optional)
- Numbing the Area: If the calluses or corns are particularly painful or large, local anesthesia may be applied to numb the area before shaving. In most cases, though, the procedure is not extremely painful, and numbing may not be necessary.
- Soaking the Feet: The feet may be soaked in warm, soapy water to soften the skin and make the removal process easier and more comfortable.
3. Shaving the Calluses and Corns
- Shaving Tools: The podiatrist or professional will use specialized instruments like a scalpel, callus shaver, or abrasive pumice stone to carefully remove the hardened, thickened skin from the callus or corn.
- A scalpel is often used to shave down thick calluses in thin layers, starting from the surface and working deeper.
- A callus shaver has a curved blade and is specifically designed to remove larger patches of callus.
- Pumice stones or foot files are often used afterward to smooth out any remaining rough patches of skin.
- Shaving Technique: The professional will work slowly and carefully to shave off the excess skin, often in layers, to avoid cutting too deep. The goal is to remove enough of the thickened skin to relieve pain while ensuring the skin underneath is not injured.
4. Managing Corns
- Corns: Corns are typically smaller, round, and have a hard center. The podiatrist will carefully remove the core of the corn using a scalpel, often making a small incision to access the inner, hardened tissue. After removing the center, the surrounding skin is shaved and smoothed.
5. Treatment of the Underlying Causes
- After shaving the calluses and corns, the healthcare provider may give advice on footwear adjustments, such as wearing shoes with more support, padding, or room in the toe box to prevent further pressure.
- Padding and Cushioning: The provider may apply special cushioning or padding over the treated areas to relieve any remaining pressure and help prevent the formation of new calluses or corns.
- Moisturization: Applying a good foot cream or moisturizer is essential after shaving to keep the skin soft and prevent further buildup of dead skin.
6. Aftercare Instructions
- Avoiding Irritation: The patient will be instructed to avoid walking in shoes that could cause friction and irritation for the first few days after the procedure.
- Regular Foot Care: Routine foot care is important to prevent recurrence. This includes moisturizing the feet, wearing comfortable shoes, and possibly using foot pads to relieve pressure.
- Monitoring: The patient should keep an eye on the treated areas for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. If any of these symptoms occur, they should seek medical attention.
7. Follow-Up Care
- In some cases, a follow-up visit may be scheduled to ensure that the treated area is healing well, and to determine if additional treatments are needed to prevent the calluses or corns from returning.
Additional Information
- Why Do Calluses and Corns Form?: These areas of thickened skin develop as a response to repeated friction or pressure. Calluses typically form on the soles of the feet, and corns are often found on the toes.
- Preventing Recurrence: To prevent further calluses and corns, it’s essential to address the underlying causes. This could involve wearing properly fitted shoes, using foot cushions or pads, and making sure to moisturize the feet regularly.
Key Points:
- Callus and Corn Shaving is generally safe when performed by a trained professional, like a podiatrist.
- The procedure is aimed at providing pain relief, improving comfort, and preventing further foot issues.
- Proper aftercare, including moisturizing and wearing appropriate footwear, is important to maintain healthy feet and prevent the recurrence of calluses and corns.
This procedure should only be done by a medical professional. Attempting to remove large calluses or corns at home can lead to injury or infection.