CORN OR CALLUS

General Information

DEFINITION--A corn is a thickening (bump) of the outer skin layer, usually over bony areas such as toe joints. A callus is a painless thickening of skin caused by repeated pressure or irritation.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

> Corn: toe joints and skin between toes.

> Callus: any part of the body, especially hands, feet or knees, that endures repeated pressure or irritation.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages except infants.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

> Corn: a small, tender and painful, raised bump on the side or over the joint of a toe. Corns are usually 3 mm to 10 mm in diameter and have a hard center.

> Callus: a rough, thickened area of skin that appears after repeated pressure or irritation.

CAUSES--Corns and calluses form to protect a skin area from injury caused by repeated irritation (rubbing or squeezing). Pressure causes cells in the irritated area to grow at a faster rate, leading to overgrowth.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Shoes that fit poorly.
• Those with occupations that involve pressure on the hands or knees, such as carpenters, writers, guitar players or tile layers.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Don't wear shoes that fit poorly.
• Avoid activities that create constant pressure on specific skin areas.
• When possible, wear protective gear, such as gloves or knee pads.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor of medicine or podiatrist.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care.
• Doctor's treatment (sometimes).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Back, hip, knee or ankle pain caused by a change in one's gait due to severe discomfort.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable if the underlying cause can be removed. Allow 3 weeks for recovery. Recurrence is likely--even with treatment--if the cause is not removed.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• If you have diabetes or poor circulation, consider consulting a podiatrist for treatment.
• Remove the source of pressure, if possible. Discard ill-fitting shoes.
• Use corn and callus pads to reduce pressure on irritated areas.
• Peel or rub the thickened area with a pumice stone to remove it. Don't cut it with a razor. Soak the area in warm water to soften it before peeling.
• Ask the shoe repairman to sew a metatarsal bar onto your shoe to use while a corn is healing.
• Avoid surgery. It does not remove the cause. Post-surgical scarring is painful and may complicate healing.

MEDICATION--

• After peeling the upper layers of the corn once or twice a day, apply ointment. Use a non-prescription 5% or 10% salicylic ointment. Cover with adhesive tape.
• Your doctor may inject a corn or callus with cortisone medicine to suppress inflammation or pain.

ACTIVITY--Resume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have corns or calluses that persist, despite self-treatment.
• Any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, heat or tenderness, develop around a corn or callus.