What are corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses are a thickening of skin in response to extra or repeat pressure. They can also be caused by poor fitting footwear.
Who can get corns and callus?
Anyone! However, some people get them more quickly or easily.
This could be due to their:
• Skin type
• Reduced foot cushioning
• Sports, or work that involves lots of standing
How to treat corns and callus?
It is important to understand the cause of the corns and calluses. Never try to treat corns and calluses yourself without seeing a podiatrist first. This is because calluses are often symptoms of other problems, and so it is important to have a podiatrist examine your feet to work out what could be causing the pressure.
Over the counter or chemist treatments such as corn ointments or plasters can improve the symptoms, but may not treat the actual cause. They also easily damage the healthy skin surrounding the corn if not used properly. These treatments should only be used with professional advice.
Warning!
It is important that you never cut corns or calluses yourself without guidance or assessment. It is easy to develop infections which can quickly become an even bigger problem.
How can a Podiatrist help?
Podiatrists can assist in identifying the originating cause of callus or corn formation. Through general Podiatry treatment corns and callus is removed. Advice on footwear, home management will also be discussed to prevent or slow the problems from reoccurring.
Typical treatment involves:
• Removal of all thickened callus and skin with specialised tools
• Filing off affected areas for a smooth finish
• Discussing and addressing prevention strategies to prevent reoccurrence
• Review in 2-3 months’ time, sooner if advised by your Podiatrist