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Calluses and Corns
A corn or callus is an area of hard, thickened skin on the foot that
is formed in response to pressure or friction. They are part of the
body's defence system to protect the underlying tissues. If the cause of
pressure is not relieved, calluses can become painful. If pressure
becomes concentrated in a small area, a 'hard' corn may develop. A corn
has a central core.
Common sites of corn and callus formation are the ball of the foot,
under the big toe, the tips and the tops of toes. 'Soft' corns may
develop between the toes, where the skin is moist from sweat or
inadequate drying. Sometimes, the pressure of the corn or callus may
produce inflammation, which can result in acute pain, swelling and
redness.
Corns and calluses may be a sign that you have an underlying foot
disorder, such as a joint that is out of alignment. This is why it is
important to seek professional advice rather than attempt to treat
calluses or corns yourself.
Symptoms
The symptoms of corns and calluses can include:
- Thickened patch of hard skin on the foot.
- Hard, small bump of skin that may have a central core.
- White and rubbery bumps of skin ('soft' corns, in between the
toes).
- In some cases, the callus pushes into the foot, rather than
spreading across the skin surface.
- Pain when pressure or friction is applied to the area.
Some people are at higher risk
Anyone can develop corns or calluses, but some groups are particularly
at risk, including:
- Elderly people - because ageing skin loses elasticity and fatty
tissue.
- People who spend a lot of time standing up - because of the
continuous weight-bearing pressure on their feet.
- People with feet that roll inwards (flat feet) - flat feet place
excessive pressure on the ball of the foot beneath the big toe, and
the inside of the heel.
- A person with foot complaints (such as a hammer toe, bunions or
arthritis) - because a bony prominence can rub against the shoe or
neighbouring toes.
- People who regularly wear shoes that are narrow, tight,
ill-fitting or high-heeled.
Don't try to treat corns and calluses yourself
Over-the-counter treatments, such as corn plasters, don't treat the
underlying foot disorder. The body protects skin tissues from pressure
or friction damage by producing an area of hard skin so, unless the
cause of the pressure or friction is found and removed, calluses and
corns will continue to form. These over-the-counter treatments can also
damage the healthy surrounding skin, if used incorrectly. Don't ever
attempt to cut away or scrape a callus. If you accidentally cut yourself
the humid environment of socks and shoes makes infection of the wound
more likely.
Seek advice from your podiatrist
If you have corns or calluses, or think you may be developing them, see
your podiatrist for treatment. Options may include:
- Investigation and treatment of the possible causes - for
example, treatment for bunions.
- Professional reduction of the callus or corn to relieve pain.
- Customised arch supports or padding on various areas of the foot
to temporarily redistribute pressure, for example, you may need to
wear little foam wedges between your toes.
- If needed, permanent inserts to wear inside your shoes (orthoses)
to offer long term pressure relief.
- Advice on appropriate footwear and foot care
All pages on this website © 2005-2010
Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only.
If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.
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