CORN or CALLUS

 Basic information

description

• A corn is a thickening (bump) of the outer skin layer, usually over bony areas such as toe joints. Corns affect toe joints and the skin between toes.
• A callus is a painless thickening of skin caused by repeated pressure or irritation. A callus can appear on any part of the body, especially hands, feet, or knees, that endures repeated pressure or irritation.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Corn: a small, tender, and painful raised bump on the side or over the joint of a toe. Corns are usually 3 mm to 10 mm in diameter and have a hard center.
• Callus: a rough, thickened area of skin that appears after repeated pressure or irritation.

causes

Corns and calluses form to protect a skin area from injury caused by repeated rubbing or squeezing. Pressure causes cells in the irritated area to grow at a faster rate, leading to overgrowth.

risk increases with

• Shoes that fit poorly. Socks that bunch up.
• Persons with jobs that involve pressure on the hands or knees, such as carpenters, writers, guitar players, or tile layers.
• Foot deformity.
• Athletic activities that put stress on hands or feet.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Don't wear shoes or socks that fit poorly.
• Avoid activities that create constant pressure on specific skin areas.
• When possible, wear protective gear, such as gloves or knee-pads.
• Keep skin moisturized.

expected outcomes

Usually curable if the problem that caused it can be removed. Allow 3 weeks for recovery. Corns and calluses are likely to recur, even with treatment, if the cause is not removed.

possible complications

• Back, hip, knee, or ankle pain caused by a change in the way you walk due to pain in your foot.
• Infection and bleeding may occur from treatments such as cutting or shaving a corn or callus.
• Having diabetes increases the risks of bleeding or infection from a corn or callus.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Self-care is often all that is needed.
• Remove the source of pressure, if possible. Get rid of shoes that do not fit well.
• Use corn and callus pads to reduce pressure on the irritated areas.
• Peel or rub the thickened area with a pumice stone to remove it. Don't cut it with a razor. Soak the area in warm water to soften it before peeling.
• See your health care provider or a foot care provider if self-care is not effective. Diagnosis is done by an exam of the affected area. Medical tests are usually not needed, but an x-ray may be done.
• Medical care may involve shaving or cutting off the hardened area of skin, removing the corn or callus with a medicine used on the skin, and (rarely) surgery. Surgery does not remove the cause, and scarring from surgery is painful and may complicate healing.

medications

• Peel the upper layers of the corn once or twice a day, and then apply a nonprescription 5% or 10% salicylic ointment. Cover with adhesive tape.
• A corn or callus may sometimes be injected with cortisone medicine to reduce swelling or pain.
• An antibiotic may be prescribed for skin infection.

activity

Resume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has corns or calluses that do not heal, despite self-treatment.
• You develop signs of infection around a corn or callus. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, heat, or tenderness.

Special Notes: