Your body uses various defensive processes to protect itself. For example, blood clots prevent fatal bleeding, and broken bones mend to regain their structure. Your skin also participates by developing corns and calluses to protect against friction that could cause it to wear away.
So, what are corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop as a protective response to repeated friction and pressure. Many people are familiar with the calluses that develop in people who work with their hands. Calluses develop on typical structures with excess pressure and friction and abnormal structures with even normal pressure and friction. These growths help prevent the skin from wearing away and protect the underlying structures, but they can sometimes cause discomfort and complications, requiring treatment.
The Differences Between Corns and Calluses
Calluses are compacted layers of dead skin developed by the body in response to repetitive pressure or friction. For instance, a guitarist might have calluses on their fingertips from playing, and a runner might develop them on their heels from running long distances. Someone whose toes “claw” and tips touch the ground can develop painful calluses on the tips of their toes. Calluses are sometimes painful and can vary in shape and size.
Corns are typically smaller than calluses and feature a hard core or nucleus at the centre, which can be surrounded by inflamed skin.
If there is excess pressure or friction, corns or calluses can form on the weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing parts of the feet.
Causes: how corns and calluses are formed
Corns and calluses stem from repetitive actions that apply pressure or friction to the skin. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes or socks or even skipping socks altogether. Tight shoes, especially high heels, can compress the foot and lead to calluses or corns. Conversely, loose shoes allow feet to slide around, causing friction. Skipping socks can also cause friction directly from shoes on the skin.
Various foot conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities, can increase the likelihood of developing corns or calluses. For example, bunions cause a bony protrusion that, if not accommodated by wide enough shoes, can rub against the interior and lead to callusing.
Diagnosis
Calluses and corns are generally easy to diagnose. An examination may only be necessary to rule out other potential conditions like cysts or warts.
Corns vs. Warts
Differentiating between corns and warts is crucial. Although corns are sometimes mistaken for similar lumps like warts, their appearances differ distinctly. Plantar warts, or verrucae, are caused by a viral skin infection and do not have a visible core of dense, hard skin at the center. Instead, they often (but not always) feature brownish dots. Corns tend to be more painful on direct pressure unless they are very large, while warts hurt most if squeezed. Also, corns tend to develop much more gradually than warts. If you are unsure which you are dealing with, sometimes it’s best to see a Chiropodist!
Treatment
Treating corn and calluses often starts at home by avoiding the activities that caused them. Other methods include wearing properly fitting shoes, using protective pads for cushioning, and wearing comfortable, cushioned socks.
Who removes corns on foot if remedies at home do not work
If home treatment is not successful, professional care may be needed. A specialist can pare down (debride) thickened skin with a scalpel (painlessly), or callus-removing medications. Custom foot orthotics can help prevent or reduce the corn or callus causing pressure/friction. In rare cases, surgery might be recommended to correct a bone alignment causing the friction that leads to callusing.
Orthotics
Custom shoe inserts, or orthotics, can help prevent corns and calluses from recurring by addressing the underlying causes of friction and pressure.
Can They Be Removed Permanently?
While treatment can remove corns and calluses, permanent removal depends on addressing the underlying causes. Without addressing the source of friction or pressure, these growths can reoccur as your skin does its job of protecting you.
Prevention
Preventing corns and calluses involves wearing properly fitting shoes and socks, using protective pads, and addressing any foot deformities. Regularly moisturizing the feet can also help keep the skin soft and reduce the risk of developing these growths.
FAQ
Can Corns Spread?
Corns do not spread because they are not caused by a virus or bacteria. They develop due to localized pressure or friction.
Will Corns or Calluses Come Back?
Corns and calluses can come back if the underlying causes of friction or pressure are not addressed. Proper footwear, protective pads, and orthotics can help prevent recurrence.
Conclusion
Corns and calluses are protective responses of the skin to friction and pressure. While they are generally not painful, they can lead to discomfort and complications requiring treatment. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures can effectively manage and prevent these growths.
Looking for Help?
If you need assistance with corns or calluses, we are in Oshawa, Ontario, and are here to help.