Callouses and Corns

 

A callous is a hard, dry and sometimes cracked area. It can occur on the sole or on the toes. It is formed by repeated pressure and friction which thickens the skin to protect the area underneath it. A callous can often form underneath a hammer toe where a toe bends downwards like a claw. A callous is often recurring and requires regular podiatry treatments to manage it. Your Podiatrist has specialized drills and scalpels to debride the affected area. Special creams may be recommended for home. Left untreated, cracking skin can lead to foot pain, ulcers and infection, especially in Diabetic patients.

 

A corn is similar to a callous but is usually smaller and mostly found on toes. They are formed by repeated pressure and friction which thickens the skin and creates a hard nucleus. Pain is often present over the area. Hammer toe, where the toe bends downwards like a claw, are susceptible to corns on the top of the toe. They are often recurring and require regular podiatry treatments to manage them. Your Podiatrist has specialized drills and scalpels to debride the affected area and dressings to help heal the area. Sterilized equipment is always used for treating corns. Your Podiatrist can recommend different gel or felt products to help alleviate the pressure on the corn prone area.

 

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