Overview
Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that form on the feet, toes, hands, or fingers as a result of friction or pressure. They act as protective barriers against injury. Corns are smaller and deeper than calluses, with a hard center surrounded by swollen skin. Calluses are larger than corns, rarely painful, and often develop on pressure spots like the heels or palms. Treatment is not necessary unless they cause pain or discomfort. If a corn or callus becomes inflamed or very painful, it is best to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have diabetes or poor blood flow. Preventive measures include wearing properly fitting shoes, using protective coverings, and avoiding going barefoot or wearing shoes without socks.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Symptoms of corns and calluses include:
- A thick, rough area of skin
- A hardened, raised bump
- Tenderness or pain under the skin
- Flaky, dry or waxy skin Corns are smaller and deeper than calluses and have a hard center surrounded by swollen skin. They can be painful when pressed. Hard corns often form on the top of the toes or the outer edge of the small toe. Soft corns tend to form between the toes. Calluses are rarely painful and tend to develop on pressure spots, such as the heels, the balls of the feet, the palms, and the knees. They may vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.
Development
Corns and calluses develop as a result of friction and pressure from repeated actions. They are thick, hardened layers of skin that form when the skin tries to protect itself against these forces. Corns are smaller and deeper than calluses, often with a hard center surrounded by swollen skin. They can be painful when pressed. Calluses, on the other hand, are rarely painful and tend to develop on pressure spots, such as the heels, the balls of the feet, the palms, and the knees. They may vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns. Sources of friction and pressure that can cause corns and calluses include wearing ill-fitting shoes and socks, skipping socks, and engaging in activities that involve repetitive hand pressure, such as playing instruments or using hand tools. In some cases, a tendency to develop corns may be inherited.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Diagnosis
To diagnose corns and calluses, your healthcare provider will likely examine your feet during a physical examination. This exam helps rule out other causes of thickened skin, such as warts and cysts. Your healthcare provider might confirm the diagnosis by gently paring away a bit of hardened skin. If it bleeds or reveals black points (dried blood), it's a wart, not a corn.
Management and Treatment
Prevention
There are ways to prevent corns and calluses. Here are some prevention tips:
- Wear shoes that fit well: Ensure that your shoes fit properly, giving your toes enough room to move. Avoid shoes that are too tight or narrow, as they can cause friction and pressure. Have a shoe shop stretch your shoes if any areas rub or pinch.
- Use protective coverings: Wear felt pads, non-medicated corn pads, or bandages over areas that rub against your footwear. You can also use toe separators or lamb's wool between your toes.
- Wear padded gloves: When using hand tools, wear padded gloves to protect your hands from calluses. You can also pad the handles of your tools with cloth tape or covers.
- Avoid going barefoot or wearing shoes without socks: Wearing socks can help prevent friction on your feet and reduce the risk of developing corns and calluses. Remember to address the root cause of friction or pressure to effectively prevent corns and calluses. If you have diabetes or poor blood flow, consult a healthcare provider before self-treating any foot issues.
Treatment
To treat corns and calluses, the primary approach is to avoid the activities that caused them to form, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes. Wearing shoes that fit well and using protective pads can help. If a corn or callus persists or becomes painful despite self-care efforts, medical treatments can provide relief. These include trimming away excess skin by a healthcare provider, surgery to correct foot alignment, and various lifestyle and home remedies. For people with diabetes or other conditions causing poor blood flow, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before treating corns or calluses independently. Home remedies include soaking the affected area, thinning thickened skin with a pumice stone or emery board, using corn pads, moisturizing the skin, and wearing comfortable shoes and socks.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for corns and calluses, you can follow these steps:
- List any symptoms: Make a list of any symptoms you've noticed, including the location and duration of the corns or calluses, any pain or discomfort, and any changes in the skin.
- Gather medical and personal information: Prepare a list of your key medical information, including any other health conditions you may have, allergies, and medications you are currently taking. Also, include any recent life changes, such as a change in footwear or increased activity levels.
- Bring a list of questions: Compile a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider during the appointment, such as the best course of treatment, any lifestyle changes you can make to prevent future corns or calluses, and any potential side effects of the treatment.
- Gather relevant information: Bring any relevant medical records, including past treatments for corns or calluses, and a list of any other podiatrists or healthcare providers you have seen for this issue.
- Follow pre-appointment instructions: If your healthcare provider gives you any specific instructions before the appointment, such as avoiding certain activities or taking medications, be sure to follow them. Remember to be thorough in your preparation and bring all necessary information to the appointment. This will help ensure that you and your healthcare provider have a productive conversation and can develop a plan to manage your corns or calluses effectively.