Corns

What are corns and calluses?

If your shoes rub against a specific point on your foot, your skin hardens to protect itself against the friction. The hardened skin turns into a corn or a callus and may appear as:

• An area of thick, rough skin
• A hard, raised bump
• Flaky, dry, or waxy looking skin

Corns are usually smaller than calluses and have a hardened center, surrounded by inflamed, tender skin. Corns usually develop on the parts of your feet that don’t bear weight, so you’re most likely to see them on the tops and sides of your toes.

Calluses, on the other hand, aren’t usually painful. They often develop on the bottoms of your feet, usually under pressure points like your heels or the balls of your feet.

When should I see a doctor about corns?

You should make an appointment at Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Center if your corns or calluses become inflamed and painful. Additionally, if you have diabetes or another circulatory condition, contact the team at Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Center before using an at-home treatment like a pumice stone, as even a minor injury can lead to a nonhealing wound.

How are corns and calluses treated?

The podiatrists at Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Center offer customized treatments for corns and calluses. Your podiatrist can carefully trim away excess hardened skin. You should never cut calluses or corns on your feet at home as this significantly increases your risk of infection.

Your podiatrist may also prescribe a topical medication to remove your calluses. Depending on the extent of your calluses, you may be able to use an over-the-counter callus remover. Your podiatrist may also suggest using a pumice stone to smooth away dead skin cells before applying the medication.

However, the best way to treat and reduce your risk of corns and calluses is to avoid certain risk factors. Your podiatrist may recommend changing your shoes and wearing protective pads or moleskin patches to minimize friction. In some cases, your podiatrist might prescribe orthotic shoe inserts to prevent recurrent calluses and corns.

If you have painful corns and calluses, call Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Centers or schedule an appointment online today for customized, effective treatments.