Foot Care: About Corns and Callus.

Corns and callus are the most common conditions on the skin of the foot seen by Podiatrists. They vary in symptoms from a mild callus under the foot, to an infected ulcer that can develop under a corn on a toe. They can occur anywhere in the feet but are usually located over bony prominences. Excessive pressure and sheering stress over bony prominences cause the outer layer of the skin to thicken forming corns and callus. These conditions are usually painful but with conservative care can be managed effectivelyPathologically, corns and callus are all the same. Skin thickened in response to pressure.

A callus generally refers to a more diffuse thickening of the skin (more common on the toes, but can occur under the ball of the foot) whereas a corn is a thicker more focal area (more common on the toes). A corn can occur under and be surrounded by callusThey can also be justified as a normal and natural way for the body to protect itself. For example, callus develops on the hand when chopping a lot of wood. It’s a normal way for the skin to protect itself. In the foot, the skin will thicken up to protect itself when there are areas of high pressure. The problem occurs when the pressure continues, so the skin gets thicker. It eventually becomes painful and is treated as something foreign by the body.Corns are easy to take out. The reason they keep coming back is that the cause is still there and that cause is pressure. If the pressure is not removed, they will come back.This condition is more prevalent in females as a result of wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Corns appear as white/ gray or yellow/ brown in colour depending on a person’s type.

CAUSES OF CORNS:Tight shoes.Deformed toes (Hammer toes).Seam or stitch inside the shoe which rubs against the toe.Abnormality of walking style.Surgery to the lower extremities.Bunions.

TREATMENT OF CORN:The first step in foot corn treatment is to eliminate the source of pressure easiest ways to avoid a foot corn.Avoid tight shoes and hosiery.Use a pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the corn.Use silicone pads to alleviate pain and the occurrence of a corn.Use a foot cream, such as flexitol heel balm twice daily. Flexitol heel balm is primarily used for cracked skin on the heels, however patients have reported a 90% improvement to their corns with this creamDo not use corn plasters as they can lead to destruction of healthy skin. Corn plasters should never be used by diabetics or by patients suffering from poor circulation as it may lead to ulcers.

HOME REMEDIES:Soaking your foot corn with warm water and Epsom salt for at least five minutes, three times a day will help to soften the corn. Another common foot corn treatment is using a pumice stone on the corn which will file it down and it will begin to remove part or all of the corn.Important Note: Treating foot corns by using removing ointments that contain acid can damage healthy skin on the other areas of the foot. Also, if the foot corn is open and discharging pus or a clear fluid it may be infected and you will need to seek medical treatment for a complete evaluation.

Lemon is another valuable remedy for corns. A fresh slice of lemon should be tied over the painful area at night and allowed to remain there the whole night.