Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses commonly develop on the areas of skin that rub against your shoes or socks, such as your toes or heels. At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Edward Buro, DPM, Christine Peterson, DPM, and Rosario Saccomanno, DPM, specialize in diagnosing and treating corns and calluses. After an exam and a discussion of your goals, your provider can make treatment recommendations. Call the office to receive treatment for corns and calluses today, or book online.

What are corns and calluses?

Corns and calluses are hardened layers of thick skin that form to protect sensitive areas from friction. They’re especially common on the feet, toes, and heels.

Corns and calluses are common side effects of running, hiking, and playing sports. They usually aren’t serious, but if you have diabetes or poor circulation, they may increase your risk of infection or other more serious problems.

Are corns and calluses the same things?

Corns and calluses are often mentioned together, but they aren’t the same thing:

Corns

Corns mimic the appearance of a blister. They’re round and have a hard bump in the center that looks similar to a popcorn kernel. Corns usually form on the tips of the toes. If you have a corn, you might notice it’s painful when pressed.

Calluses

Calluses are flatter and cover a larger surface area than corns. They develop on areas of skin that experience friction, like the heels or balls of the feet. Calluses typically aren’t painful, but they may cause your skin to break down or peel away over time.

What are the symptoms of corns and calluses?

Symptoms of corns and calluses include:

• A thick, rough area of skin
• A hard, raised bump
• Tenderness or pain under the skin
• Flaky, dry, or waxy skin

If you experience any signs of corns or calluses, contact Mayfair Foot Care for treatment.

How are corns and calluses diagnosed?

Your Mayfair Foot Care provider reviews your health charts and asks about your symptoms. Then, they complete a physical exam, checking your feet, heels, and toes for areas of thickened or irritated skin. An exam helps rule out other problems that present similar symptoms, such as warts and cysts. 

How are corns and calluses treated?

Treatment of corns and calluses depends on their location, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your mobility. Usually, Mayfair Foot Care takes a conservative and nonsurgical approach. Your podiatrist might recommend:

• Trimming away excess skin
• Medicated patches to help dead skin peel away
• Shoe inserts to reduce friction against your skin
• Custom orthotics

If you have a structural abnormality, like a bunion, that’s causing friction, your provider might recommend surgery to realign the bones in your forefoot. 

Call Mayfair Foot Care to learn more about the treatment options for corns and calluses today, or book online.