Corns/Calluses

Definition

Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. They most often develop on the feet and toes or hands and fingers. A corn is thickened skin on the top or side of a toe, usually from shoes that do not fit properly. A callus is thickened skin on your hands or the soles of your feet. Corns and calluses can be unsightly.

If you’re healthy, you need treatment for corns and calluses only if they cause discomfort. For most people, simply eliminating the source of friction or pressure makes corns and calluses disappear. However, if you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation to your feet, you’re at greater risk of complications from corns and calluses. Seek your podiatrist’s advice on proper care for corns and calluses if you have one of these conditions.

Symptoms

You may have a corn or callus if you notice:

• A thick, rough area of skin
• A hardened, raised bump
• Tenderness or pain under your skin
• Flaky, dry or waxy skin

 

Corns and calluses are often confused, but they’re not the same thing.

• Corns are smaller than calluses and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns tend to develop on parts of your feet that don’t bear weight, such as the tops and sides of your toes, though they can also be found in weight-bearing areas. Corns can even develop between your toes. Corns can be painful when pressed.
• Calluses usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses are rarely painful and vary in size and shape, though they’re often larger than corns.

Causes

Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses to develop and grow. The thickening of the skin is a protective reaction. For example, farmers and rowers get callused hands that prevent them from getting painful blisters. People with bunions often develop a callus over the bunion because it rubs against the shoe.

Some causes include:

• Ill-fitting shoes – When shoes are too tight or have high heels, they compress areas of your foot. When they’re too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a poorly placed seam or stitch inside the shoe.
• Skipping socks – Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can lead to friction on your feet. Socks that don’t fit properly also can be a problem.
• Using hand tools – Calluses on your hands may result from the repeated pressure of using tools on the job, around the house or in the garden.

 

Risk factors

These factors may increase your risk of corns and calluses:

• Bunions, hammertoe or other foot deformities. A bunion is an abnormal, bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe.  A hammertoe is a toe deformity in which your toe becomes curled up like a claw. These conditions and other foot deformities, such as a bone spur, can cause constant rubbing inside your shoe.

 

Tests and diagnosis

Your doctor will examine your feet and rule out other causes of thickened skin, such as warts and cysts. Your doctor may also request an X-ray to see if a physical abnormality is causing the corn or callus.

Treatments and drugs

Treatment for corns and calluses usually involves avoiding the repetitive actions that cause them to develop. Wearing properly fitting shoes, using protective pads and other self-care measures can help resolve them. If a corn or callus persists or becomes painful despite your self-care efforts, medical treatments can provide relief:

• Trimming. Your doctor can pare down thickened skin or trim a large corn with a scalpel, usually during an office visit. Don’t try trimming yourself because it could lead to an infection.
• Topical medications. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe a topical medication or an over the counter medication, which is available without a prescription. He or she will let you know how often you need to apply this, and may recommend that you use a pumice stone to smooth away the dead skin before applying a new patch.
• Antibiotic medication. Your doctor may also suggest applying an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection.
• Shoe inserts. If you have an underlying foot deformity, your doctor may prescribe custom-made padded shoe inserts (Orthotics) to prevent recurring corns or calluses.
• Surgery. In rare instances, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the alignment of the bone causing the friction.

Life style and home remedies

If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation, consult your doctor before attempting to treat
corns and calluses on your own. If you have no underlying health problems, these suggestions may help clear up corns and
calluses:

• Soak your hands or feet. Soaking your hands or feet in warm, soapy water softens corns and calluses. This can make it easier to remove the thickened skin.
• Thin your thickened skin. During or after bathing, rub corns or calluses with a pumice stone or washcloth to help remove a layer of toughened skin. Don’t use a sharp object to trim the skin. Don’t use a pumice stone if you have diabetes because your risk of infection is higher.
• Moisturize your skin. Apply moisturizer to hands and feet to help keep your skin soft.
• Wear comfortable shoes and socks. Stick to well-fitting, cushioned shoes until your corn or callus disappears. Also, choose socks that fit properly and are made of a polyester-cotton blend because they wick moisture away better than all-cotton socks do.

Prevention

These approaches may help you prevent corns and calluses from developing:

• Wear shoes that give your toes plenty of room. If you can’t wiggle your toes, your shoes are too tight. Have your shoe shop stretch your shoes at any point that rubs or pinches.
• Use protective coverings. Wear felt pads, non medicated corn pads or bandages over areas that rub against footwear. You can also try toe separators or some lamb’s wool between your toes.
• Wear padded gloves when using hand tools. Or try padding your tool handles with cloth tape or covers.