Callus (or callosity) is an especially toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Rubbing that is too frequent or forceful will cause blisters rather than allow calluses to form. Since repeated contact is required, calluses are most often found on feet because of frequent walking. Calluses are generally not harmful, but may sometimes lead to other problems, such as skin ulceration or infection.

Corn (or clavus, plural clavi) is a specially-shaped callus of dead skin that usually occurs on thin or glabrous (hairless and smooth) skin surfaces, especially on the dorsal surface of toes or fingers. They can sometimes occur on the thicker palmar or plantar skin surfaces. Corns form when the pressure point against the skin traces an elliptical or semi-elliptical path during the rubbing motion, the center of which is at the point of pressure, gradually widening. If there is constant stimulation of the tissue producing the corns , even after the corn is surgically removed, the skin may continue to grow as a corn .

The hard part at the center of the corn resembles a barley hare, that is, a funnel with a broad raised top and a pointed bottom. Because of their shape, corns intensify the pressure at the tip and can cause deep tissue damage and ulceration. Hard corns are especially problematic for people with insensitive skin due to diabetes, etc. The scientific name for a Corn is heloma (plural helomata). A hard Corn is called a heloma durum, while a soft Corn is called a heloma molle.

The location of soft Corns tends to differ from that of hard Corns . Hard Corns occur on dry, flat surfaces of skin. Soft Corns (frequently found between adjacent toes) stay moist, keeping the surrounding skin soft. The Corn center is not soft, however, but indurated.

Shoes can produce Corns by rubbing against the top of the toes or foot. Continued irritation may cause pain. Stretching out the shoe to reduce rubbing may reduce the contact and alleviate the pain, but the corn may remain. If a toenail or a fingernail rubs against the skin, pinching it between surfaces for a period of time, a corn can form at the edge of the nail. These Corns are difficult to treat because the nail is frequently the primary cause.

Sometimes a callus occurs where there is no rubbing or pressure. These hyperkeratoses can have a variety of causes. Some toxins, such as arsenic, can cause thick palms and soles. Some diseases, such as syphilis, can cause thickening of the palms and soles as well as pinpoint hyperkeratoses. There is a benign condition called keratosis palmaris et plantaris, which produces Corns in the creases of the fingers and non-weight bearing spaces of the feet. Some of this may be caused by actinic keratosis, which occurs due to overexposure to sun or with age and hormonal shifts.

Corn & Calluses are easier to prevent than to treat. When it is not desirable to form a callus, minimizing rubbing and pressure will prevent callus formation. Footwear should be properly fitted and broken in, gloves may be worn, and protective pads, rings or skin dressings may be used. People with poor circulation or sensation should check their skin often for signs of rubbing and irritation so they can minimize any damage.

Corn & Calluses may go away by themselves eventually, once the irritation is consistently avoided. They may also be dissolved with keratolytic agents containing salicylic acid, sanded down with a pumice stone, or pared down by another professional such as a podiatrist or a Foot Health Practitioner.

If you suspect that your Corn & Calluses is infected or is not getting better despite treatment, contact our clinic for an appointment. Also call us if you have continued symptoms of pain, redness, warmth, or drainage.

Metropolitan Los Angeles Clinic:	213-484-0040
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Call us today for an appointment, if you are suffering from any sort of foot or ankle related disorder or infections, also for more information about Pin Pointe Foot Laser visit our Cutting Edge Toenail Fungus Treatment page.

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