What are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are basically thickening of skin caused by friction and pressure in our feet. Corns are mostly round in shape and they develop from within deep layers of the skin below, which can be painful at times.
Causes of Corns and Calluses?
Corns develop mostly due to wearing tight fitted shoes that restricts the blood flow. Corns can be either had or soft depending upon the area they grow. Hard corns are formed mostly on the toes (pinky toe) and the softer ones can be seen in between the toes (usually between the 4th and 5th toes). It’s the sweat that keeps them moist and hence soft and that is the reason why they might become infectious sometimes.
Hammertoe and other deformities of the toe can lead to the formation of these.
Calluses on the other hand grow on the underside of our feet. Too much walking or running is one of the reasons for their formation. They are broader in area and are mostly non painful.
Salicylic acid is used in most products for removal of corns and calluses. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic and it dissolves the protein keratin which forms the layers in a corn or callus.
Consult with Your Local Podiatrist to Remove Corns and Calluses
A podiatrist can pare corns and calluses with a scalpel if salicylic acid proves to be non-effective. Sometimes repeated and regular trimming sessions are required. You can visit our podiatry clinic – HSMC for the same. Once it is trimmed, it is advisable to clean the area with a pumice stone every week and keep it moisturized to prevent it from growing again.
Podiatrist can also advice for engineered foot orthopedic insoles so that pressure on the foot does not pinpoint on the callus. Sometimes this can be taken care of by cushions and footpads.
Corns and calluses should not be self-operated, more so by patients of diabetes and people above the age of 65.
Corns and calluses are not serious problems. Most of them can be treated with medical treatment. Surgery is rarely required until there is an infection. Surgery can also be performed in certain cases where bones are sticking out or to correct any other foot deformity.
