Corns and Calluses
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about foot calluses.
What is a foot callus?
A foot callus, also known as a corn or plantar wart, is a hard and thick layer of skin that develops on the skin’s surface to protect itself from friction and pressure.
They usually appear on the feet and toes, presenting as rough, thick areas or protruding, hard, and painful bumps.
What are the symptoms of a foot callus?
- Calluses mostly occur on the feet and toes and rarely on the hands.
- Pain and discomfort
- Dry skin
Rough patches and peeling skin
- What are the causes and risk factors of foot calluses?
- Pressure and friction on the skin
- Wearing high heels or uncomfortable, improperly sized shoes
- Not wearing socks with shoes
- Lifting heavy weights
- Walking barefoot on hard surfaces such as tiles and ceramics
Occupations that involve friction while using the hands, such as playing musical instruments or barbering
How is it diagnosed?
A doctor can identify whether a person has a foot callus through a clinical examination.
What are the treatment methods for foot calluses?
- The treatment involves several procedures, depending on what is necessary, and may include:
- Avoiding friction and softening the hard skin using creams, moisturizers, or special solutions for treating foot calluses
- Using medicated patches to help soften the tough skin so it can be removed
- Specially made soft pads or insoles to relieve pressure from the painful area of the foot
- If the above methods are ineffective, the foot callus can be removed at the clinic by the treating physician
In some cases, where infection is present in a foot callus, a topical antibiotic may be required
How can foot calluses be prevented?
- There are certain measures that can be taken to prevent foot calluses, including:
- Wearing thick padded socks
- Wearing wide, comfortable shoes with low heels that do not cause friction to the feet
- Using soft insoles or heel pads in the shoes
- Regularly using a pumice stone or foot file to remove hard skin
Moisturizing the feet to help maintain soft foot skin
What are the complications of foot calluses?
If left untreated, foot calluses can become infected, which may lead to pain and make walking difficult.
When shouldyouseeadoctor?
It’s advisable to see a doctor if the person has diabetes, heart disease, or circulatory problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foot calluses turn into cancerous tumors?
Foot calluses are generally considered benign changes and do not turn into cancerous tumors.
Can children develop foot calluses?
