Overview

Corns and calluses are common skin conditions where areas of skin become thick and hard. They develop as your body's natural way of protecting itself from repeated pressure, rubbing (friction), or irritation.

• What causes it: These thickened patches are typically caused by repeated pressure or friction on the skin, often from ill-fitting shoes, not wearing socks, or engaging in activities that put stress on specific areas of your hands or feet.
• Who commonly gets it: Anyone can develop corns and calluses, from children to older adults. They are especially common in people who wear shoes that don't fit well, have foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes, or frequently engage in activities that cause friction, like playing certain sports or musical instruments.
• Is it contagious? No, corns and calluses are not contagious. You cannot catch them from someone else, and you cannot spread them to other parts of your body by touching them.
• Impact on quality of life: While often just a nuisance, corns and calluses can become painful, especially when pressure is applied. This discomfort can sometimes make walking, standing, or using your hands difficult, affecting your daily activities.

Symptoms

You might be noticing a few different things if you have a corn or callus. Here are some common signs:

• A thick, hardened patch of skin.
• A raised bump - (more typical of a corn) or a wider, flatter area of thickened skin (more typical of a callus).
• Skin that feels rough and dry.
• Tenderness or pain - under the affected skin, especially when pressure is applied.
• Flaky or waxy-looking skin.
• Corns often have a distinct, hard center, sometimes surrounded by inflamed skin.
• Symptoms may worsen with tight shoes or prolonged pressure.

Diagnosis

Figuring out if you have a corn or callus is usually straightforward for a healthcare professional.

• How is it diagnosed? A doctor or podiatrist can typically diagnose a corn or callus simply by looking at the affected skin and asking about your symptoms, footwear, and daily activities. They will look for the characteristic hardened skin and may gently press on the area to check for tenderness.
• Common tests or procedures: Usually, no special tests are needed. In rare cases, if there's a concern about an underlying bone issue or if the diagnosis isn't clear, an X-ray might be considered, but this is not common for typical corns and calluses.

Management & Treatment

Dealing with corns and calluses can be a nuisance, but the good news is that they are very treatable. In many cases, they will go away on their own once you remove the source of friction or pressure.

Here are some of the most common ways to manage and treat them:

• Soak and file: Soaking the affected area in warm, soapy water for 5-10 minutes can soften the skin. Once softened, you can gently file the area with a pumice stone or foot file to remove the dead skin.
• Moisturize: Applying a good moisturizer to your feet daily can help keep the skin soft and prevent corns and calluses from returning. Look for lotions that contain salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea, as these can help to soften hard skin.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) options: There are many OTC products available, including medicated patches that contain salicylic acid. These can be very effective, but it's important to use them as directed.
• Protective padding: Using moleskin pads or other types of protective padding can help to reduce friction and pressure on the affected area, giving it time to heal.

If your corns or calluses are very painful, or if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or fragile skin, it is very important to see a doctor before trying any home treatments.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend prescription-strength treatments or even a minor surgical procedure to remove the corn or callus. This is usually only necessary if the corn or callus is causing significant pain or interfering with your daily activities.

It’s important to be patient. It can take some time for corns and calluses to go away completely. If your treatment isn’t working, or if the corn or callus becomes more painful, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor.

Duration & Outlook

Understanding how long these might last and what to expect is important.

• Typical timeline for condition: Corns and calluses will often improve or go away once the source of pressure or friction is removed. However, if the irritation continues, they can persist for a long time.
• Is it chronic or acute? They can be either. An acute callus might form after a single instance of intense friction (like from new shoes), while chronic corns and calluses develop over time due to ongoing pressure.
• What outcomes to expect: With proper care and removal of the cause, most corns and calluses can be managed effectively, leading to reduced pain and improved skin texture.
• Warning signs for complications: Be aware of signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or pus draining from the area. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, it's especially important to monitor corns and calluses closely, as you are at higher risk for complications, like infections or ulcers. Seek medical attention if you notice these signs.

Prevention

The good news is that there are steps you can take to help prevent corns and calluses from forming or coming back.

• Wear properly fitting shoes: This is key! Ensure your shoes are not too tight or too loose, and have enough room for your toes. Avoid high heels or shoes with narrow toe boxes for extended periods.
• Use protective coverings: If you know an area is prone to rubbing, consider using moleskin pads, non-medicated corn pads, or soft bandages.
• Wear socks: Socks can provide an extra layer of cushioning and reduce friction between your feet and shoes.
• Keep skin moisturized: Applying a good moisturizer to your feet can help keep the skin supple.
• Gradually increase activity: If you're starting a new activity that puts pressure on your hands or feet, increase the duration and intensity slowly to allow your skin to adapt.

Causes & Triggers

Let's delve a bit deeper into what causes these and who might be more likely to get them.

• What causes it? The primary cause is repeated pressure or friction on the skin. Your skin thickens to protect itself from this irritation.
• Common triggers and how to avoid them:
  • Ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight, too loose, have high heels, or narrow toe boxes are major culprits. Avoid them by choosing comfortable, well-fitting footwear.
  • Not wearing socks: This allows direct friction between your foot and shoe. Always wear socks with closed shoes.
  • Foot deformities: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or bone spurs can cause parts of your foot to rub against your shoes. Consult a podiatrist for advice on managing these conditions and appropriate footwear.
  • Repetitive actions: Playing musical instruments (e.g., guitar on fingertips), using hand tools, or even writing for long periods can cause calluses on the hands. Consider protective gloves or padding if possible.
• Who is most likely to develop it?
  • People who wear ill-fitting shoes regularly.
  • Individuals with foot abnormalities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet.
  • Athletes or people whose occupations involve repetitive pressure on certain skin areas.
  • Older adults, as the fatty padding under the skin can thin with age, reducing natural cushioning.
• Risk factors:
  • Wearing inappropriate footwear.
  • Having structural foot problems.
  • Participating in activities that cause repeated friction.
  • Not using protective measures when needed.

When to see a doctor

It's always a good idea to see a healthcare professional if you develop tender, red, warm lumps on your skin, especially if they appear on your shins.

• What signs should you look for?
  • The corn or callus is very painful or inflamed.
  • You see signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
  • You have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system. People with these conditions are at higher risk of complications, like infections or ulcers, and should always have foot problems checked by a doctor.
  • Home care measures aren't helping, or the corn/callus keeps returning.
  • You are unsure if the lesion is a corn/callus or something else.
• How to know when to see a dermatologist: If you have persistent, painful corns or calluses, or if you have any of the warning signs mentioned above (especially if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes), it's a good idea to consult a doctor. A general practitioner or a podiatrist (foot doctor) is often the first point of contact. If there's uncertainty about the diagnosis or if the condition is severe, they might refer you to a dermatologist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Q: Are corns and calluses the same thing?
  • A: They are very similar, as both are areas of thickened skin caused by pressure or friction. Corns are generally smaller, more cone-shaped with a hard center, and can be more painful. Calluses are usually larger, flatter, and less defined.
• Q: Can I cut or shave off a corn or callus myself?
  • A: It is generally not recommended to try to cut or shave off corns or calluses yourself, especially with sharp instruments. This can lead to injury and infection, particularly if you have diabetes or poor circulation. It's always safer to see a healthcare professional for removal if needed.
• Q: Do corns have roots?
  • A: This is a common misconception. Corns don't have "roots" in the way plants do. The hard, central core of a corn can sometimes look like a root, but it's just a very dense area of compacted dead skin cells.
• Q: Will corns and calluses go away on their own?
  • A: They might improve or go away if the source of pressure or friction is removed. However, if the irritation continues, they will likely persist or worsen.

References

• Mayo Clinic. (2022, August 24). Corns and calluses. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355951
• NHS. (2022, August 24). Corns and calluses. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/corns-and-calluses/
• American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). How to treat corns and calluses. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-corns-calluses