Corns and Calluses
These are small or larger areas of dead skin or thickened skin that forms on various parts of the foot as a result of friction in the shoe or from any activity we do, that our foot has not easily adapted to perform. Most women of colour consider that the black blemishes on the tops of their toes are corns but they are really just calluses and most of the time it is all scar tissue. A true corn is a very localised area of dead skin with a torque type of friction that results in a cavity being formed once the corn has been removed.
On the other hand, a callus is a smaller or larger area of dead skin that once removed the person may not be able to tell that there was ever anything there. The treatments that Podiatrist offer for this aim at returning the skin to its natural integrity and once the friction has been reduced or removed they can actually improve or go away.
What to do:
- If discolourations on the top of the toes, these are due to poor footwear, check shoe fitting leaflet.
- Do not use corn cures over and over again this can cause skin irritation.
- If the corn is on the sole of the foot, consider the cause, you may need expert advice for this, speak to your Podiatrist
- Do not cut corns yourself, this can cause the area to become worse and if you are diabetic this can lead to serious foot problems.
- A change in the size or level of pain to any lesion you are thinking is a corn should be investigated, the longer and more painful the corn, the longer it takes the treat.
Calluses are caused by shearing forces, common places are:
- Ball of the foot for those in high heels
- Top of toes for toes that have no “wiggle ability”
- Areas under the foot, from constant injury, punctures, walking barefooted, or poor biomechanics.
*Always see your Podiatrist for advice.
