What is Hard Skin?
Hard Skin on the foot is known as a foot callus which is a thickening of the skin as a result of intermittent pressure and friction. Usually foot calluses appear as a dirty yellow mass of hard skin, which shows no definite line of demarcation. It is the way that healthy skin protects itself from undue stress and therefore can occur in any part of the body such as a labourer's hands.
The most common area for foot calluses to occur is the ball of the foot and around the heel area which can cause heel pain. Occasionally, foot calluses may occur at the tip or on the top of toes as a result of ill-fitting shoes.
What causes Hard Skin?
When the bottom of the foot is subjected to the pressure of body weight when a person is standing or walking, the area where the foot callus has formed may become very painful with a burning sensation.
The pressure under the foot is often caused by poor weight distribution and may indicate some underlying conditions such as in-rolling feet or prominent metatarsal heads. A lack of a pad of fat under the metatarsal heads will also contribute to increase pressure to the ball of the foot and it is therefore recommended not only to protect and cushion the affected area but also to try to correct any misalignment of the foot function.
Do not try self-treatment by cutting the foot calluses away as the bathroom surgery can lead to hospital room treatment.
This information is for guidance only. If you are in doubt at all, please consult your nearest health professional.