A callus is an area of hard, thickened skin on the foot that forms in response to pressure or friction, usually through poor-fitting shoes. When pressure is concentrated in a small area, a corn, which has a central core, may develop. If the pressure is not relieved, calluses and corns can become painful.
Common sites of corns and calluses are the ball of the foot, under the big toe, tips of toes and any bony prominence. Soft corns may develop between the toes, where the skin is moist from sweat or inadequate drying. Sometimes, the pressure of the corn or callus may cause inflammation, which can result in pain, swelling and redness
Anyone can develop corns or calluses, but some groups of people are particularly at risk, including:
- Elderly people, because ageing skin loses elasticity and fatty tissue
- People who spend a lot of time standing up, because of the continuous weight-bearing pressure on their feet
- Not wearing socks as this can cause friction to develop.
- A person with foot complaints (such as a hammer toe, bunions or arthritis), because a bony prominence can rub against the shoe or neighboring toes
- People who regularly wear shoes that are narrow, tight, ill-fitting or high-heeled.
The body protects skin tissues from pressure or friction damage by producing an area of hard skin. So unless the cause of the pressure or friction is found and removed, calluses and corns will continue to form. Over-the-counter treatments, such as corn plasters, can damage the healthy surrounding skin if you use them incorrectly. Never try to cut away or scrape a callus, as there is a risk of infection if you accidentally cut yourself.
Options may include:
- Identifying and removing the cause of friction and pressure
- Professional reduction of the callus or corn to relieve pain
- Customised padding to redistribute pressure
- Permanent shoe inserts (orthoses) to offer long-term pressure relief
- Advice on appropriate footwear
- Advice on appropriate foot care, such as applying moisturiser daily.