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Corns and Calluses
Overview:
You ask a lot of your hands and feet. You cram your feet into shoes and walk around all day. And you may apply great force to your hands as you work with tools in your job or at home. These actions subject your skin to friction and pressure. Your skin often protects itself by building up corns and calluses — thick, hardened layers of skin.
Signs and Symptoms:
You may have a corn or callus if you notice:
* A thick, rough area of skin
* A hardened, raised bump
* Tenderness or pain under your skin
* Flaky, dry or waxy skin
Corns and calluses are often confused, but they're not the same thing.
Causes and Organs Affected:
Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses to develop and grow. Some causes include:
* Ill-fitting shoes. When shoes are too tight or have very high heels, they compress areas of your foot. When they're too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a poorly placed seam or stitch inside the shoe.
* Skipping socks. Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can lead to friction on your feet. Socks that don't fit properly also can be a problem.
* Using hand tools. Calluses on your hands may result from the repeated pressure of using tools on the job, around the house or in the garden.
Risk Factor:
These factors may increase your risk of corns and calluses:
* Bunions or hammertoe. A bunion is an abnormal, bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. A hammertoe is a toe deformity in which your toe becomes curled up like a claw. Both of these conditions can cause constant rubbing inside your shoe.
* Not protecting your hands. Using hand tools without wearing gloves exposes your skin to excessive friction.
* Foot deformities. A pre-existing foot deformity, such as a bone spur, may put extra pressure on certain parts of your foot.
Treatment:
Treatment for corns and calluses usually involves avoiding the repetitive actions that causes them to develop. Wearing properly fitting shoes, using protective pads and other self-care measures can help resolve them.
If a corn or callus persists or becomes painful despite your self-care efforts, medical treatments can provide relief. Your doctor can pare down thickened skin or trim a large corn with a scalpel, usually during an office visit. Your doctor may also suggest applying an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection.
Other Information:
These suggestions may help clear up corns and calluses: Use over-the-counter pads, Soak your hands or feet, Thin your thickened skin, Moisturize your skin and Wear comfortable shoes.