Can corns and calluses be removed?

Yes, most corns and calluses gradually go away when the friction or pressure causing them stops. Apart from this, soaking them in warm, soapy water softens them. This makes it easier to remove them. However, if you aren't sure what is causing them, the hardened skin is very painful, or you have diabetes, do not indulge in self management and see a dermatologist or podiatrist.

What is the difference between corn and calluses?

A corn is the thickening of skin on the top of the foot that serves as protection. It typically occurs on a bony, knobby toe area and can be uncomfortable. Hard corns are dry corns that develop on top of a toe. Soft corns are moist corns that grow between the toes. Whereas, a callus develops when the skin frequently brushes against anything. As an illustration, pressure from a pen or pencil-stringed instrument may cause callus development on the finger. On the foot, friction from the inside of the shoes can result in calluses.

Where do corns and calluses likely to be located?

Calluses and corns are more likely to be located on the hands or feet.

Can corn and calluses be painful?

Corns are generally conical or circular in shape and dry, waxy, or translucent in texture. They have knobby cores that point inward and can exert pressure on underlying dermal nerves, causing sharp pain. Calluses are most often painless.

Do corns and calluses itch?

Yes, sometimes depending on the cause, blistering may happen along with pain, redness, or itching. Even though the bleeding may be minimal, hematomas or tiny pools of blood can occasionally develop. As a foreign body inside the callus, the blood itself is an irritant and causes the region to burn or itch.

Corns

Written By Dr. Lipika KhuranaPGDHHM, BDS

Reviewed By Dr. Sachin Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Last updated on: 02 Jan 2023 | 06:37 PM (IST)

Overview

Corns are calloused areas of skin that develop to protect skin from damage against prolonged rubbing, pressure, and other forms of irritation. Calluses and corns typically form on the hands or feet.

Corns and calluses can be caused by many factors, such as wearing too fitted or too loose shoes, not wearing socks, walking barefoot regularly, etc. Other risk factors may include joint problems or other foot-related problems like bunions or hammer toe. These conditions can be prevented by reducing or removing the causes which lead to increased pressure at specific points on the hands or feet.

Corns and calluses can be treated with medicated products which chemically break down the thickened, dead skin. Salicylic acid is usually the main ingredient used in most corn and callus removal products.

People with fragile skin, poor circulation in the feet (due to conditions such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease), and repeated formation of corns should consult a podiatrist or a healthcare professional for the appropriate management of this condition.

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