Calluses and corns are hardened layers of skin that develop as your skin’s response excessive pressure and friction on the foot.
A callus is a rough, flattened area of thick skin on the outer surface of the foot caused by excessive pressure or irritation. Calluses are bigger and wider than corns with less defined edges. They often form over bony areas of the foot, such as on the heel and ball of the foot. Calluses are yellowish or pale in color, and feel thick or rough and are typically not sensitive to touch.
A corn is a hardened, raised area of thick skin that push inward on the foot. A corn is a kind of callus made of dead skin that are usually small and circular, with a clearly defined center that can be hard or soft. Hard corns tend to be small and form over bony areas of the foot where the skin has thickened or callused. Soft corns tend to be whitish in color, with a rubbery texture. They commonly form between the toes, in areas of moist and sweaty skin. Corns most often develop on the tops and sides of the foot between the toes, and can also be found in weight-bearing areas.
The thickening of the skin that occurs with both calluses and corns is called hyperkeratosis. Hyperkeratosis is the result of pressure or friction on an area of skin. Pressure causes the skin to die and form a hard, protective surface. A soft corn develops in the same way, except sweat gets trapped where the corn develops and the hard core softens. The main causes of calluses and corns include:
Basic treatment for calluses and corns usually involve avoiding the repetitive action that caused them to develop. Most calluses in corns will gradually disappear when the friction or pressure stops. Additional medical treatments include:
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