Corns and Calluses – Diagnosis and Treatment
Checking for Corns and Calluses
Doctors usually spot corns and calluses just by checking your feet for thick or hard skin. They’ll look for different types like hard corns, soft corns, and other hyperkeratotic lesions.
Sometimes, your provider might gently trim the area to figure out if it’s a corn or something else, like a wart. That helps them nail down the real cause and rule out other stuff.
Symptoms they often look for include:
- Painful spots on your feet
- Thick or rough patches of skin
- Pressure points from shoes
A good diagnosis points you toward the right kind of care and can help you understand what’s causing the problem—pressure, friction, or maybe the way your feet move.
Treatment
Most people can manage corns and calluses at home by tweaking habits and protecting their skin. If you stop whatever’s causing pressure or rubbing, you’re already on the right track.
Wearing shoes that actually fit (not just the ones you love) and using soft pads or corn pads can calm things down.
If home fixes don’t do the trick, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Doctors or podiatrists can trim away thick skin with special tools right in their office.
Don’t try trimming at home—seriously, it’s risky and can lead to infection.
You can find medicated patches or liquids with 40% salicylic acid that soften hard skin. It’s recommended to thin the top layer with a pumice stone or nail file before sticking on a new patch.
For bigger areas, nonprescription gels or liquids with salicylic acid or urea might work too. Some individuals need custom orthotics. These inserts cushion your feet and help keep corns and calluses from coming back.
If things get really bad, surgery can fix bone alignment that keeps causing skin problems. Most of the time, you can go home the same day.
Summary Table: Ways to Treat Corns and Calluses
| Treatment Type | Details/Tools Used |
|---|---|
| Skin Trimming | Scalpel by provider (not at home) |
| Medicated Patches | Salicylic acid (40%) pads, gels, or liquids |
| Soft Pads/Corn Pads | Reduce pressure; can be store-bought |
| Shoe Inserts/Orthotics | Custom supports for foot problems |
| Surgery | Fixes bone issues; outpatient procedure |
Most treatments are very simple and don’t involve surgery.
Practical Tips for Everyday Relief and Care
You can do a lot at home to ease discomfort and stop corns and calluses from showing up.
Daily care cuts down on pressure and friction—those are the main things that irritate your toes and the spots where your skin rubs against shoes.
Home Care Steps:
- Soak your feet or hands in warm, soapy water to soften hard skin.
- Gently rub thick areas with a pumice stone or nail file. This thins rough spots, but skip sharp tools to avoid hurting yourself.
Moisturize dry skin after bathing. Regular foot lotion keeps skin soft and may help prevent calluses. Put donut-shaped cushions or foam pads over bony spots. Extra padding protects against rubbing and shearing.
Footwear Choices:
- Pick shoes that fit well and have good cushioning. Tight or ill-fitting shoes put extra pressure on toes and bony spots, which just makes things worse.
- Choose socks that cut down on friction and keep irritation away, especially if you’re on your feet a lot.
- Shoe inserts like metatarsal pads or special insoles help spread out your weight and lower pressure on problem areas.
Tips to Remember:
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Soak and moisturize | Sharp objects |
| Use soft pads | Tight shoes |
| Wear comfy footwear | Rubbing or scraping |
| Use insoles/inserts | Ignoring dry skin |
You’ll have an easier time preventing corns and calluses if you take care of your feet, moisturize, and wear shoes that are actually good for you. The right home care can make moving around a lot more comfortable.
