Corns and calluses are protective layers of thickened skins formed in response to repeated pressure or friction. What differentiates a corn from a callus is its placement. A corn is a thickened layer of skin on the top or side of your toe, while a callus is a thickened layer of skin on the sole of your foot. Neither is a serious medical condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Corns and Calluses
• Skin is thick and hardened
• Skin may be flaky and dry
Treatment and Prevention of Corns and Calluses
Reducing the friction that caused the corn or callus is the best form of treatment and future prevention. For example, if your corn was caused by a shoe that does not fit properly, changing to a new shoe should eliminate the corn within a couple of weeks. Other self-care home remedies include:
• Place protective covering or bandages over the sore to decrease friction on the skin until the sore heals. This can be done with a donut-shaped corn pads (available in most pharmacies).
• Apply moisturizing agents such as lotions to dry calluses and corns.
• Rub sandpaper disks or pumice stone over hard thickened regions.
• Avoid stress to hands or feet by using gloves or changing shoes or socks.
• Soak feet or hands in warm soapy water to soften corns and calluses.
With proper care, your corn or callus should fade away in a few weeks. However, if the affected area becomes infected or if an ulcer occurs, contact your podiatrist as soon as possible. They will be able to remove the unhealthy tissue and prescribe an antibiotic for the infection.
Take care of your feet and they will take care of you!
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