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Corns and calluses
what are corns and calluses?
Corns are plugs or cones of hard skin that feel painful under pressure. If they develop on the base of the foot it may feel like you’re walking on a pebble, or worse! They can also develop on the toe knuckles, at the side of the foot, or in between the toes (known as soft or interdigital corns). At the clinic I have special instruments that can remove these with little associated pain.
Calluses are an area of defuse build up of layers of thickened hard and compressed skin. They develop, like Corns, as a response to pressure or friction in order to protect the soft skin underneath from breaking down. They can become very painful if untreated. Removing these requires paring with a scalpel and the use of special callus softeners.
Causes of Corns and Calluses
Causes of both include poorly fitting shoes and high heels which increase pressure and friction on the foot, especially at the toe box of your footwear. Abnormal anatomy of the feet, including foot deformities such as hammertoe and bony prominences of the feet can lead to corn or callus formation. Genetics can also play a role and a condition called hyperkeratosis can cause repeated build up of hard skin on the feet.
Following removal of corns or callus, the sensitive area may need offloading to avoid pressure. Special dry/hard skin creams will be recommended. Advice on footwear and lifestyle may be offered.