Corns & Calluses

Corns and calluses are very common, and they can cause certain complications if they aren’t managed properly, but they can be preventable.

Corns & calluses

Corns and calluses are hard and thick layers of skin that build up mostly on the hands, fingers, or feet, but they can manifest anywhere on the body.

Causes of corns & calluses

• Wearing shoes that aren’t suitable or that cause pressure or friction on the feet.
• Not wearing socks with the shoes.
• Long times of standing, walking, or running.
• Certain conditions that increase the pressure or friction, such as hammertoe and hallux valgus.
• Playing instruments, using tools, and lifting weights.
• Walking barefoot.
• Genetic factors.

Symptoms of corns & calluses

• Corns are round, small, and deep with a hard center and swollen surrounding skin and are usually seen on the top or side of the toes; they also can be painful when pressing them.
• Calluses typically form on pressure spots, like the palms, the knees, the heels, and the balls of the feet. They are larger than corns and rarely painful, and they differ in shape and size.
• Signs of corns and calluses include a hardened and raised bump with flaky or dry skin and tenderness or pain under the skin.
• Corns and calluses can become larger, cause infections, and cause a higher risk in people who have diabetes or a condition that causes poor blood flow.

Diagnosis of corns & calluses

• Physical exam.

Treatment of corns & calluses

• Soak them in warm and soapy water to remove the excess skin.
• Moisturize the skin.
• Avoid the action that causes the corn or the callus.
• Use protective pads and wear appropriate shoes.
• Wear gloves when working with your hands.
• Keep the toenails trimmed.
• Don’t cut them out and don’t try to treat them alone, especially if you have diabetes.
• The doctor can remove the thickened skin with a scalpel.