Corn and Callus

Corns and calluses refer to common skin lesions which appear as hard and thickened skin patches. It is important to distinguish between these two terms: a corn is painful and inflamed, while a callus is painless.

The skin's response to pressure and friction is what causes corns and calluses. Due to repetitive injury, the skin attempts to protect itself from possible blistering. As a result, more basal epidermal cells are formed, which leads to both a thicker stratum corneum and prickle cell layer.

The hands and feet are the most common sites of corns and calluses; however, other body sites can be affected as well. For example, corns and calluses can appear on knuckles from pushing oneself from a wheelchair, on palms from holding a hammer or racquet, on the ball of the feet from running barefoot, or on the side of the foot due to wearing tight shoes.

Prevention

The most important measure to prevent corns and calluses is to minimize pressure on the affected skin area. Comfortable, flat, and well-fitting shoes are recommended. Leather gloves may be used when performing tasks that cause frequent injuries. To reduce friction, a protective corn plaster or cushion may be used to distribute pressure more evenly around the affected site. Pressure can also be relieved by separating toes using moleskin, soft cotton, or lamb's wool.

Treatment

Skin thickness can be reduced using pumice, a file, or sandpaper. Prior to this, the skin should be soaked in warm water for at least 10 minutes. The central core can be removed with a specially designed corn trimmer. Heel balms or keratolytic creams containing lactic acid, salicylic acid, or urea may also be applied.

For easing the discomfort of painful cracks, it is recommended to apply a thick, lubricating ointment (such as petroleum jelly), seal the surface with an adhesive (such as nail glue or Liquid Bandage), or use an antibiotic ointment if an infection is present.

A visit to a podiatrist is strongly advised after a callus or corn on the foot has been diagnosed.

In severe cases, a protruding bone may be surgically removed by an orthopaedic surgeon.