An Article Written By Cecilia Brennan
Podiatrist – New Step Podiatry.
Corns and Calluses: What Are They and How Can You Prevent Them?
Your podiatrist might mention heloma (corn) or hyperkeratosis (callus) in your podiatry consultation, but don’t worry—that’s just the technical way of saying “hard skin.” Both are caused by pressure and friction, but they appear differently, as we’ll explain below. Keep reading to find out how you can prevent and treat these common foot conditions.
What Are Corns and Calluses?
Corns – an inverted cone of hard skin, which can sometimes feel like a stone under the foot. Most hard corns are found in higher pressure areas of the foot and soft corns in between the toes. They can be commonly mistaken for a wart.
Calluses – even thickening of the stratum corneum (the top layer of skin cells) causing a yellowy thick area of skin. Calluses are mostly found in larger high pressure areas of the foot. They generally don’t hurt as much as corns.
Why Do Corns and Calluses Form?
Corns and calluses develop primarily due to excessive friction or pressure on specific areas of your feet. Here are some of the most common causes:
Corns
Corns tend to form in areas of the foot that experience localised, concentrated pressure. Some key factors include:
- Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight or too loose can create pressure points, especially around the toes, leading to corn formation. High heels are a common culprit, as they concentrate pressure on the ball of your foot and toes.
- Standing for long periods: If your job or daily routine requires standing for extended periods, it can increase friction and pressure, making you more susceptible to corns.
- Biomechanics and foot deformities: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can cause uneven pressure distribution on your feet, increasing the likelihood of corns forming.
- Excess shear pressure: A concentrated, repetitive pressure on a specific area can lead to corns.
- Moisture between toes: This applies to soft corns, which usually occur between the toes, and are often caused by excess moisture and the rubbing of narrow footwear.
Calluses
Calluses typically form on the heels and balls of the feet as a response to widespread, general pressure. Some contributing factors include:
- Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes: Just like with corns, poorly fitting shoes can create areas of excessive friction and pressure, especially on the soles, leading to calluses.
- Standing for long periods: People who spend a lot of time on their feet are more prone to calluses because prolonged standing increases the amount of pressure and friction on the bottom of the feet.
- Loss of fatty padding: With age, the natural padding in the bottom of the feet diminishes, making the skin more vulnerable to hardening and callus formation.
- Loss of moisture: Reduced natural oil (sebum) production can cause skin to dry out, which leads to the thickening and hardening of calluses.
- Excess pressure and foot deformities: As with corns, biomechanical issues or foot deformities can lead to uneven pressure distribution, making calluses more likely to form.
- Smoking: Smoking affects circulation and reduces skin health, making feet more prone to calluses.
- Vitamin A deficiency: A lack of Vitamin A can cause the skin to become dry and less elastic, making it more likely for calluses to form under pressure.
By understanding the causes behind corns and calluses, you can take proactive steps, such as wearing properly fitted shoes and reducing prolonged pressure on your feet, to prevent these uncomfortable conditions.
How to Prevent Corns & Calluses
- Choose the Right Footwear
Wearing properly fitting shoes is one of the best ways to prevent corns and calluses. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause excessive friction and pressure, leading to thickened skin. Here are some key tips:
- Roomy toe box: A spacious toe box is essential because it prevents your toes from being cramped or rubbing against each other. Shoes that are too tight can cause pressure on the tops and sides of your toes, which is a common trigger for corns. Make sure your toes have enough room to wiggle and that they aren’t compressed together.
- Cushioned soles: Look for shoes with cushioned insoles and arch support to absorb shock and distribute pressure evenly. This can help reduce friction on the heels and balls of your feet, preventing calluses from forming.
- Limit high heels: High heels increase pressure on the balls of your feet and often have narrow toe boxes, which can cause corns and calluses. If you must wear heels, opt for lower, more supportive styles with a wider toe box to reduce strain on your feet.
- Rotate your shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day. By rotating your footwear, you give your feet a break from repetitive pressure in the same areas, reducing the risk of developing hard skin.
- Wear shoes suited to the activity: Always wear shoes designed for the activity you’re doing. For instance, use hiking shoes for trails or cushioned running shoes for exercise to prevent unnecessary friction and pressure on your feet.
- Replace worn-out shoes: Over time, shoes lose their support and cushioning, making them more likely to cause friction and pressure on your feet. Replace your shoes when they show signs of wear to prevent uneven pressure distribution that can lead to calluses.
- Break in new shoes gradually: Even well-fitted shoes can cause corns or calluses if they are stiff. Wear new shoes for short periods at first to give your feet time to adjust and to soften the material before extended use.
- Use Protective Pads or Cushions
Silicone pads or cushioning insoles can help to redistribute pressure and prevent the development of hard spots. They’re especially useful if you’re prone to corns or calluses in specific areas, e.g. silicon sleeves for corns on top of your toes.
- Regularly File
Use a foot file (can use either a pumice stone or emery board) 2-3x per week. This can be done after showering when the skin is moist or when the skin is dry. Find out which is most effective for your skin. Gently rub the file over the callus in a back-and-forth motion and circulation motion, applying even pressure. Focus on the thickest parts of the callus, but avoid going too deep. Periodically check your progress to ensure you’re not filing too much. Filing too aggressively can irritate the skin or cause soreness.
- Regularly Moisturise
Dry skin can become thick and prone to developing calluses. Moisturising your feet daily helps to keep the skin soft and flexible. Look for a foot cream containing 30% or more urea, which is excellent for softening rough skin. Here at New Step Podiatry we love and also stock Luxe 30 cream. It’s not as greasy as many of the heel balms on the market plus it has a lovely scent of coconut. You can apply heel balm after showering or at night prior to bed. For very dry or callused skin we recommend twice daily application.
- Keep Nails Trimmed
Overgrown toenails can alter how your toes sit in your shoes, leading to friction. Keeping them trimmed and filed helps maintain proper toe alignment and reduces unnecessary pressure on your toes. If your toenails have become difficult to manage, podiatrists can trim and file them using specialised equipment.
Treatment Options for Corns & Calluses
If you already have corns or calluses, don’t worry—there are several ways to treat them effectively:
- Soak and Exfoliate
Soaking your feet in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes can soften the hardened skin. After soaking, gently use a pumice stone or foot file/emery board to rub away the thickened areas. Be careful not to overdo it, as removing too much skin can cause irritation. In saying this, some people find they can remove more hardened skin when their skin is dry. Give both ways a go to see what is more effective.
Avoid any files that have a surface like a cheese grater, particularly if you have diabetes or poor circulation as these pose a higher risk of skin breaks. Instead, opt for foot files or emery boards as shown below.
- Moisturise After Exfoliating
After soaking and exfoliating, apply a rich foot cream to keep the skin soft and prevent further buildup. This helps to maintain the results of your home treatment and can speed up the healing process. Use of urea-based moisturiser is recommended by most podiatrists. Again, we love the Luxe 30 cream that we have here at New Step Podiatry, it really does have a lovely coconut scent.
- Professional Treatment
For more stubborn or painful corns and calluses, it’s best to consult with a podiatrist. At New Step Podiatry, we can safely and effectively remove them using specialised tools. Plus, we can assess your gait and footwear to identify any underlying issues contributing to the problem, helping to prevent them from recurring.
- Foot orthoses
Medical shoe inserts, or orthotics may be suitable for deep corns that reoccur in the same areas and benefit from offloading. At New Step Podiatry we offer a range of orthoses, including prescription/custom orthotics, over-the-counter/prefabricated orthotics and heat moulded orthotics. Clinical assessments and a discussion with the patient helps us determine the best device for each individual.
Why You Should Avoid Medicated Corn Pads
While medicated corn removal pads that contain salicylic acid are readily available over-the-counter including from supermarkets, they can pose risks, especially if incorrectly used. Salicylic acid works by chemically softening the corn, but it doesn’t discriminate between healthy and thickened skin. This means it can potentially burn or damage the surrounding healthy tissue, leading to irritation, infection, or even open sores. This is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes, poor circulation or sensitive skin, as their feet may be more vulnerable to complications like infection and ulceration. Yes, we have seen ulcers caused by medicated corn pads at New Step Podiatry which makes us think they should be removed from the market!
On the other hand, non-medicated foam pads are a much safer option for cushioning and reducing pressure on the corn or callus without introducing any harmful chemicals. Foam pads work by creating a barrier between your foot and your shoe, which helps prevent further friction and allows the corn to heal naturally. They provide comfort and protection without the risks associated with medicated treatments, making them a gentler solution for managing corns. Always opt for foam pads to cushion the area and consult with a podiatrist for safe and effective treatment options.
When to See a Podiatrist for Corns & Calluses
While many people can manage mild corns and calluses at home, you should seek professional help if:
- The corn or callus becomes painful.
- You notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or pus.
- You have diabetes or circulation issues, as self-treatment can be risky.
- You experience persistent or recurring corns and calluses despite your best efforts.
At New Step Podiatry, we provide comprehensive care to keep your feet healthy and comfortable. If you’re experiencing any foot discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Belconnen clinic for expert guidance.
Summary
Foot corns and calluses can be a nuisance, but with the right prevention techniques and treatment options, you can keep them under control. Remember, choosing the right shoes, using protective pads and maintaining a good foot care routine are key steps to keeping your feet in great shape.
If you need more personalised advice or professional treatment, our friendly team at New Step Podiatry is here to help. Book an appointment with us today, and let us support you on your journey to healthier, happier feet!
Do you Have Painful Corns & Calluses?
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