Corns and calluses typically appear as:
- A dry, thickened, rough area of yellowish skin
- A hardened raised bump of skin
- Tenderness or pain under the hard skin
Corns are smaller and deeper than calluses and have a hard centre. Due to this, they can be painful when pressed as they irritate the surrounding nerves in the skin. They typically form where there is more focal area of pressure or friction.
Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns. They are usually painless but can become painful when they are too thick. They generally form where there is a more diffused area of pressure or friction. Typically areas include the balls of the feet, and the heels.
Causes
Corns and calluses are caused by friction and pressure over a period of time. Some causes of it are:
- Your foot biomechanics. The way your foot moves and how pressure is applied to the bottom of the foot while walking and running may lead to certain areas experiencing higher pressure than others. This leads to corns and calluses forming in these areas.
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes. Tight and narrow shoes can squeeze areas of your feet causing high pressure spots. Also if your shoes are too big and loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the inside of the shoe.
When to seek medical help
If a corn or callus becomes painful and uncomfortable, seek help from your Podiatrist.
Individuals with poor sensation and blood flow in their feet such as diabetics should also seek regular routine care for their corns and calluses with a Podiatrist. This is because an untreated corn or callus can lead to a foot wound. These individuals should also seek advice before self-treating the corn or callus as even a minor injury can also lead to an infected open wound.
