Corns and calluses are exostoses that usually appear at a pressure point or on a bony prominence, such as the knuckles, back of the heel, or fingers. These growths often develop due to repetitive injury, but they may also happen for no known reason.
In some cases, corns and calluses pose a social problem. If they appear on the face, it can be difficult for some people to wear proper eyeglasses, significantly impairing their sight. In these cases, treatment aims to reduce or completely prevent pressure on the eyeball from protruding corns and calluses.
Corns and calluses also cause pain and discomfort, so you may want to see a Coral Springs corns and calluses specialist as soon as possible.
Causes
Pressure and friction are the most common causes of corns and calluses. You might get them where your shoes rub or on areas that bear a lot of pressure, such as the hands and feet.
If you have diabetes or poor circulation, you’re more likely to develop corns and calluses. It can also result from thyroid problems.
Symptoms
Corns are rugged, compact patches of skin that usually appear on the toes or balls of your feet. A callus is a thicker, rougher area of skin with a raised border. Calluses may also develop on the palms of your hands, especially if you consistently grasp an object with intense pressure, such as a tennis racket, baseball bat, or golf club.
The skin over corns and calluses may look yellowish-white. It feels thick and may be tender to the touch. If you have diabetes, your feet might also feel numb or look pale and blotchy. You might see tiny broken blood vessels on your feet if you have diabetes.
Corns and calluses can be unsightly, but they usually aren’t painful unless you stand or walk on them. Calluses may also cause pain if they become too thick.
Treatment
If your doctor finds that your corns or calluses are caused by another condition, such as nerve damage, he might recommend treating the underlying problem. Otherwise, you can usually treat corns and calluses at home. You can apply over-the-counter pads to painful areas.
Also, soak your feet in warm water to help soften the corn or callus. Then gently rub them with a soft-bristled brush, pumice stone, or emery board to remove dead skin cells. This also helps reduce your risk of infection by eliminating bacteria trapped under the callus or corn.
Wear properly fitting shoes and socks. If your shoes are too tight, you might get corns or calluses on your toes or feet.
Try not to use too much force when you clean your feet. Gentle, circular movements should work well. Avoid sharp objects such as tweezers, nail clippers, and knives that can tear and damage your skin and make your corns and calluses worse.
If you have diabetes or circulatory problems, avoid soaking your feet or wearing socks. And talk to your doctor before using over-the-counter corn and callus removers, as they may irritate the skin on your feet.
To summarize, corns and calluses are exostoses that usually appear at a pressure point or on a bony prominence. They mainly result from pressure and friction. They may cause symptoms such as yellowish skin that feels tender when touched. If your corns and calluses result from another condition, your doctor may recommend treating the underlying disease. However, you can easily manage most cases at home.
