7 Facts About Corns and Calluses That You Should Know About

Corns and calluses are stiff patches of dead dry skin. They most commonly affect the feet and toes, as well as the hands and fingers. Both corns and calluses may be asymptomatic or cause pain and other symptoms. People who have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to their feet should be extremely careful since corns and calluses can cause complications. In this article, we have gathered seven facts about corns and calluses that you should know about.

1. Corns and calluses are not the same things

Many people confuse corns and calluses or think that they are the same condition. Indeed, they can be caused by repetitive motion and affect your feet. But the main difference is that corns are smaller than calluses and have a hard center that can be surrounded by inflamed skin. Calluses can be quite large and are usually painless.

2. Corns can occur everywhere on the body

Another feature that differs corns from calluses is that they may develop everywhere on the body. In most cases, that can occur on the toes, heels, and even between your toes. They can also occur on the soles in rare cases. People can also get corns on their hands and fingers if they use some instruments or work out. Corns may also develop a hard center part that can get deep into the skin.

3. Corns can become inflamed

Some people can get inflamed corns which can be quite painful and make wearing shoes and walking uncomfortable and even impossible. If you have noticed that a corn is surrounded by red and inflamed skin, it is better to contact a podiatrist and undergo a corn removal procedure as soon as possible. The doctor will use pain medication to make the procedure comfortable.

4. Calluses develop mostly on the soles of the feet

Calluses usually develop on the soles especially in the parts that bear weight (especially under the heels or balls). In most cases, they are painless. However, if left untreated, they can make standing, walking, jogging, or even just wearing shoes uncomfortable.

5. People with foot deformities are more prone to corns and calluses

There are certain foot deformities that can increase your risk of getting corns and calluses. For example, a bunion is a condition in which a big toe joint is misaligned and it leads to the development of a bump on the side of the foot. That bump can rub against the shoes and this can lead to the development of corns. People with hammertoes, bone spurs, and other conditions that cause foot deformities are also more likely to develop corns and calluses.

6. Ill-fitting shoes are the most common cause of corns and calluses

Narrow shoes and high heels might cause pressure on your feet. Your foot may slide and rub against the shoe if your footwear is too loose. It's also possible that your foot will scrape against a seam or thread within the shoe. Wearing sandals and shoes without socks can also cause friction on your feet. Socks that are too big or too little might also lead to the development of corns and calluses.

7. Most corns and calluses can be treated at home

If your corns and calluses are not painful or inflamed, you can treat them at home. For example, you can soak your feet in a foot bath with baking soda and liquid soap. After soaking, you can gently remove dead skin from your feet with the help of a pumice stone. Don't forget to dry your feet with a towel and apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to your feet.