Diabetic Foot Blisters and Calluses

Description: Calluses are thick skin that forms in response to repeated pressure over a course of time. Blisters are fluid filled pockets that are also the result of increased pressure but typically the pressure is more intense and for a shorter period of time than the pressure that causes a callus. The roof of a blister is typically very thin because there is not enough time to form a thick callus. Calluses form over pressure points to protect the skin from injury. Without calluses the skin is more prone to blisters. If calluses are protective then why is there so much concern about calluses on the soles of a person with diabetes? Calluses form to protect the skin; however, in persons with diabetes the body does not know how much callus to lay down and the callus is different. Elevated blood sugars affect the skin and cause thicker and harder calluses.