Doctor Punam Krishan issued the warning as she appeared on the panel on BBC Morning Live
A BBC doctor has issued a warning to people with hard, thick skin on their feet. Doctor Punam Krishan, a regular on BBC Morning Live, spoke as she said it was important for people to avoid one thing she often sees in her GP surgery.
She told the popular daytime BBC show that patients often try to cut off hardened skin from their feet. But she said: “I would absolutely avoid that.”
She pointed out that during the colder months, many of us wear tight socks and shoes. But this increases pressure on certain areas of the feet.
As a result, corns and calluses can develop – not just on the feet but sometimes on the hands as well. These thickened or hardened patches of skin can be painful, and while they are rarely serious, there are simple remedies you can try at home to relieve discomfort.
Do you have diabetes?
Dr Punam issued a message to anyone with certain health issues. She said: “It’s important if you have got conditions like poor circulation or diabetes, it’s important to speak to your GP and we can refer you to podiatrist. You can self-refer as well and they can take care of your feet and remove corns safely.”
She emphasised the importance of checking between the toes and explained that corns and calluses develop due to pressure or friction on the skin of the hands or feet. Everyday activities and habits, such as wearing high heels, ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes, skipping socks or playing a musical instrument, can contribute to their cause.
Are you a gardener, carpenter or weight lifter?
The doctor also noted that if you’re a gardener, carpenter or like weight lifting, then you may be more at risk. She explained: “You can get it on the sole of your feet and also the heels.
“You can also get it on the palms of your hands, so if you are someone who is perhaps a gardener, if you’re weightlifting or a carpenter, then you can actually get quite hardening of the skin there too.”
Punam also cited a study in 2023 which showed that “at least a third of people of the age of 65 will have corns and calluses”. This is “because as we age, we tend to lose fatty tissue so your bones become a bit more prominent and increases your chance of rubbing and friction.”
Wear the right shoes
When it comes to your shoes, this is also key. She said: “Your footwear is really important when it comes to the development of corns and calluses. It’s important to always make sure that they are comfortable, and if you are, for example, running, you’ve got adequate cushioning and support in your trainers.
“You need to be mindful of the activities that you are doing. If you have any arthritic problems, perhaps you’ve got a problem with the way that you walk,” it’s important to get it checked by a professional “because if you have an uneven walking pattern, that can increase weight and pressure on a particular foot.”
How can I prevent corns and calluses?
Urging people to “avoid wearing shoes without socks”, she says that there are ways to prevent and treat it. This includes:
- Soak your feet
- Moisturise your feet
- Use a pumice stone
- Wear thick socks and comfy socks
Can I use a blade to get rid of corns and calluses?
No. Never. In her final warning, Dr Punam strongly urges against this, saying she sees it “a lot” when people come to see her. She recalls: “I’ve seen so many people who tried to treat it at home with a blade.
“I know the temptation can be real. It is hard skin, but you shouldn’t shave it off. I know you can get safety blades at supermarket and pharmacies, but really you need an expert like podiatrist to do it for you if it’s getting to that stage. So I would absolutely avoid that.”
