Calluses and corns are thick, hardened layers of skin that form as your skin attempts to protect itself from repeated friction, pressure, rubbing, and irritation. The skin’s outer layer thickens in order to provide extra padding to the bone. Furthermore, the most commonly appear on the feet and toes, as well as the hands and fingers. Corns and calluses can be unsightly.
Calluses and corns are not quite the same things.
- Corns: corn is a kind of callus, made of dead skin. They have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin and are smaller than calluses. Corns form on parts of your feet that do not bear weight, such as the tops and sides of your toes, as well as between your toes. They’re also common in weight-bearing areas. When squeezed, corn can be rather painful.
- Calluses: calluses are almost never painful. They typically appear on the soles of your feet, particularly under the heels or balls, your palms, or your knees. Calluses appear in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they are frequently larger than corns.
How do I know if I have corn or callus?
Corns and calluses can make you feel like you’re walking on stones, and they can be detected by the following signs and symptoms:
Calluses:
- A skin patch that is thick, firm, and often larger and flatter.
- Touch sensitivity is lower than the surrounding skin.
Corns:
- Irritated skin surrounds a small, round, elevated hump of hardened skin.
- The bump’s raised area may be uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Common causes of corns and calluses
- Anything that puts pressure on the skin or causes friction
- Long periods of standing, walking or running
- Wearing high heels, uncomfortable shoes, or the wrong size of shoes
- Not wearing socks with shoes
- Walking barefoot regularly
- physical activity, sports, or work/labor that puts strain on your feet.
- Shoes that are too tight or too high-heeled
HOW TO TREAT CORNS AND CALLUSES
Treatment depends on your symptoms, your general health, and your age, and it also depends on how severe the condition is.
Treatment for corns and calluses can include:
- Salicylic acid is the most common therapy for corns and calluses because it dissolves the protein (keratin) that makes up the corn and the dead skin around it.
- Trimming the skin Your healthcare provider may advise you to use a nail file or pumice stone to remove the skin from a corn or callus. This may be recommended after softening the skin in a bath or shower. in addition, your doctor may use a sharp tool to remove the outer layers of skin that comprise the corn or callus in some cases.
- Cortisone injection: Cortisone medicine can be injected to reduce the pain of a corn or callus
- Surgery If a bone or joint is out of place, certain parts of your foot may be under too much pressure. so this could lead to painful corns and calluses. In some cases, surgery may be the best option for resolving the problem.
Calluses and corns are rarely serious, and there are a few things you can try that may relieve symptoms:
- Put on thick, cushioned socks.
- Wear shoes that are wide and comfortable, with a low heel and a soft sole that does not rub.
- Moisturize to help keep skin soft
- Use heel pads and soft insoles in your shoes
Warning
Do not attempt to cure corn and calluses yourself if you have diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your circulation. These conditions can induce severe foot problems. Therefore, you have to consult a healthcare provider or a foot specialist.
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