Corns and callus
Corns and callus are areas of thickened skin on your feet that form in response to pressure or friction. Professional removal of the hardened skin, and finding the cause of the pressure, can relieve your pain. Fiona Shepes assesses corns and callus in an initial consultation from $100.
What corns and callus are
Corns and callus are areas of thickened skin caused by abnormal pressure. Consistent pressure makes the skin thicken as a form of protection and compensation. A callus is a broader patch of hard skin that forms where there is pressure or friction. When the pressure is concentrated in a small area, a corn can form, which is circular and deep with a central core. The texture of a corn is solid and tough.
Symptoms
The symptoms of corns and callus may include:
- Thickened patch of hard skin on the foot
- Hard, small bump of skin with a central core
- White, rubbery bumps of skin between the toes (soft corns)
- Pain when pressure or friction is applied to the area
- Swelling and redness where the corn or callus has caused inflammation
Corns and callus often develop on the ball of the foot, under the big toe, on the tips of the toes and over any bony prominence. Soft corns may develop between the toes where the skin stays moist from sweat or inadequate drying.
Causes and risk factors
Pressure and friction cause corns and callus. Footwear that is too tight or too loose is a common cause. Toe deformities such as hammer toes and bunions can increase pressure on the toes. Biomechanical or gait abnormalities can place more pressure on the soles of the feet.
Treatment at the clinic
Treatment for corns and callus at the clinic includes professional removal of the hardened skin using sterile instruments to relieve your pain. Fiona then assesses the cause of the pressure so the corn or callus is less likely to come back. This may involve footwear advice, or padding and strapping to protect the area. Where foot mechanics are part of the problem, Fiona can organise custom orthotics from $650 or semi-custom orthotics from $450. An initial consultation is from $100 and a standard consultation is from $90.
Looking after it at home
Do not try to treat corns and callus yourself. Corn plasters and chemical corn removers can damage the healthy skin underneath or beside the corn. Never cut away or scrape a callus yourself, as cutting yourself brings a risk of infection, and gouging at a corn can damage healthy tissue, nerves or blood vessels. A moisturiser applied daily can help keep the skin supple. Wear shoes that give your toes plenty of room, and use felt pads or non-medicated corn pads over areas that rub against your footwear. Replacing worn shoes helps, because worn soles give little protection and worn linings can chafe your skin.
When to see a podiatrist
See a podiatrist when a corn or callus is painful, or when you feel one gradually forming on your feet. Fiona can reduce the hardened skin safely and check what is causing the pressure. Untreated corns and callus can become painful, and the skin underneath may ulcerate, which then needs wound care. People with diabetes should have corns and callus treated promptly to help prevent ulceration. Fiona offers diabetic foot care, and you can see a GP instead for medicines or for problems that need medical care beyond the feet.
Questions
Can I remove a corn myself?
Home removal is not recommended. Cutting or scraping a corn risks infection and can damage healthy tissue, nerves or blood vessels. Chemical corn removers can injure the healthy skin around the corn. Fiona removes corns safely with sterile instruments in a consultation from $90.
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
A callus is a broader area of hard, thickened skin that forms in response to pressure or friction. A corn is smaller and deeper, with a central core, and forms where pressure is concentrated in one spot. Both can become painful without treatment.
How do you stop corns and callus coming back?
The pressure or friction causing them needs to be found and removed. Fiona assesses your footwear, foot shape and the way you walk, and may advise footwear changes, padding or orthotics. Until the cause is addressed, the hard skin will keep forming.