Both corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop as a result of friction or pressure. Often occurring on the feet, particularly if your shoes chafe or you do lots of standing. The key difference is in the way they are formed. For help from a Podiatrist Worcester, contact https://www.propodiatry.co.uk/podiatry/podiatrist-worcester
What is a callus?
A callus is a wide area of rough skin that develops in response to repeated friction.
Typically on the ball of your foot, heel or sides.
Often larger and flatter.
Sounds rough, but doesn´t have to be painful.
What is a corn?
A corn is a smaller patch of compacted dead skin. Corns are usually harder and more rigid than calluses. The hardest layer may have a central core that presses into your skin, causing pain.
Usually located on the tops of toes, between toes, or at pressure points.
Often small, round, and defined.
Feels like a small pebble underfoot.
Why do they happen?
Both are usually caused by:
Ill-fitting, loose or lousy shoes
Faulty foot mechanics (e.g., alterations in pressure points due to high arches or bunions)
Doing a lot of walking or having to stand for long periods in thin soles.
What should you do?
Calluses can be helped by moisturising and gentle filing. Corns should be “gentled” (through improved footwear, padding, and orthotics). If the pressure cannot be removed, often professional care is needed.
When to see a podiatrist
Make an appointment if it is painful, or recurring despite treatment, infected, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Corn filing done by means other than corn cutters may cause wounds and complications.
A good assessment looks at the trigger of the hard skin.
