Calluses and Corns – An Unsightly Problem
Hey guys!
It is finally warm out, which means it is time to ditch the winter boots for something a bit more lightweight. If you are plagued with a callus or corn, you may be afraid to show your feet this summer. Let’s face it, calluses and corns are pretty unsightly. Even though it is likely no one will even notice, many of us carry the embarrassment around.
We can help you identify if you have a callus or corn, how to treat it, and when to see a doctor.
For both men and women, the most common cause of calluses and corns is bad shoe wear. Proper fit is vital to avoiding these nuisances.
What is a callus?
A callus is a rough patch of skin. It is generally harder than the surrounding skin and raise. Most often, they develop at pressure points between your hands and feet and another surface (like a shoe). High heels especially create extreme pressure points.
Calluses come in all sizes and shapes, but are usually large. Calluses will rarely cause you pain, but the skin rubbing can cause some irritation.
Overall, some callus formation on your hands and feet is normal of living life and nothing to worry about!
What is a corn?
Corns are smaller than calluses and penetrate deeper into the skin. You will still get a hard and raise bump. On the other hand, corns are much more painful than calluses. Not only does a corn become thick and rough, but it also swells around the skin.
They develop along the tops of your toes and on the outside of your small toe.
Corns come in many types. There are seed corns, soft corns, and hard corns. Seed corns grow on the bottom of the foot and is small. Additionally, soft corns are whiter, and soft. You will find them between your toes. Finally, hard corns form on the outside of the toes and are dense balls of excess skin.
What causes corns and calluses?
Whether we are talking about a corn or a callus, both are caused from pressure of our skin on a foreign body. That pressure can be simply pressure, rubbing, friction, or irritation. It is rare to find a corn on your hand, most often they are calluses.
In reality, calluses and corns are our bodies’ defense mechanism to protect it against irritation. Which is why some calluses are completely normal.
Wearing high heels is one of the most common causes of calluses and corns. While high heels are not only a cause, any uncomfortable shoes could be the culprit. Shoes are usually uncomfortable because they are too tight, too loose, or shift your weight poorly across your foot.
For calluses and corns on your feet, not wearing socks in your shoes or lifting heavy weights are also causes. Finally, any repetitive, weight bearing motion in your hands, like holding a shovel or playing a musical instrument, can cause calluses on the hands.
How do I treat my callus or corn at home?
Most of the time, corns and calluses are not serious health issues and can easily be treated at home. Generally speaking, you do not need to treat a corn or a callus if it does not cause any discomfort.
A switch to well-fitting, proper footwear with the correct arch support is the best way to treat your ailment long term. Look for shoes that give your toes plenty of room. It is best to really limit your time in high heels with pointed toes. Nice, thick socks are also pivotal in changing your feet.
In order to thin or soften your feet, soak them in warm, soapy water. This will soften your foot pad for further treatments. While still moist and soft, thin the corn or callus with a pumice stone.
After you file it down close to the surface, remember to moisturize your feet to keep them soft.
While finding comfortable shoes should be your actual goal, sometimes you must wear shoes that aren’t perfectly designed for comfort. You will find stores carrying over-the-counter pads that will protect your feet from rubbing.
There are some medicated pads that contain salicylic acid to destroy corns. However, the acid is not selective about what skin it kills. Healthy skin will be greatly irritated too if touched by the pad.
When should I see my foot specialist about a corn or callus?
As stated above, corns and calluses are just a part of life and most of the time, are not worthy of great concern. If you are in great pain, see your doctor. Infection can be a significant concern if you pick or peel away too much of the hardened skin. Additionally, the medicated corn pads can cause infection by destroying too much skin.
Corns and calluses on your feet combined with diabetes are no time to try home treatments. The chance of you damaging or causing an infection in a part of your body with a low blood flow is too risky to take.
How will my doctor treat my corn or callus?
A doctor can make more precise cuts with a scalpel than you trimming with a pumice stone. The risk of infection is very low in a surgical setting such as this one.
Furthermore, she may prescribe medicated pads that cannot be bought over-the-counter.
Finally, your doctor will look at your gait and weight distribution across your foot. Custom orthotics or shoe inserts may ease any future problems.
Corns and calluses are a very common ailment for many of us who are on our feet all day. To avoid them, only don proper footwear that is comfortable. Thick socks also provide extra protection. If you find yourself with a painless corn or callus, do not worry. For the time being, you can just continue with your life (but perhaps look for better fitting shoes).
If your corn or callus becomes painful, there are plenty of home remedies to soften your feet to file away at the corn or callus. However, if it becomes very painful or seems inflamed, please professional help in treatment.
Hope this helps!
XOXOXO
Dr. Eva
