One of the most common reasons why women come to the podiatrist's office is for unsightly corns and calluses of the toes and feet. The question as to whether they can have the corns removed that very day is not an uncommon request.

Corns and calluses are caused by excessive pressure or friction on the skin especially over bony areas. A callus is thickened skin on the bottom (soles) of your feet. A corn is thickened skin on the top or side of a toe.

When a callus has a firm, hard center it is also called a corn. Corns generally occur on the toes and balls of the feet. The thickening of the skin is to protect the area and prevent painful blistering. People with bunions, hammertoes or other foot deformities often develop corns and calluses over these areas when the foot rubs against the shoe.

On average about 65 of 1,000 people develop calluses and corns, which is more common in females (91) than males (37). Family history can also play a role in developing foot deformities and bony prominences.

The skin can become thickened, hard, dry and flaky on the feet. Corns and calluses can result in burning pain in the toes especially when wearing tight and high-heeled shoes. Corns and calluses are not serious or life-threatening conditions, but they can be very painful, especially when wearing shoes.

Home remedies to prevent or treat corns and calluses
o Place a cushioned corn pad over the painful calluses to decrease friction on the skin.

o If an ulcer or sore develops, cover with a protective covering or Band-Aid until the sore heals.

o Apply moisturizing agents, such as lotions or creams to dry calluses and corns.

o Soak feet in warm, soapy water to soften the corns and calluses, then rub the thickened callused areas with a foot file or pumice stone.

o Avoid adding stress to your feet by wearing supportive shoes that fit well with a wide front (toe box) and low to moderate heel. Women especially should avoid tight, pointed toe shoes and wear a round or square mouth shoes that can prevent the corns and calluses.

Some people use over-the-counter corn pads or removers, or even go to the pedicurist to shave the corn. They should be careful with these products as they can cause ulcers, and will discolor the skin making it either very dark or very white.

Diabetics should never soak their feet, or use a coarse foot file or chemical corn pads. They should see a podiatrist regularly for routine foot care and treatment for their corns and calluses. If home remedies fail to eliminate the corns and calluses and they continue to be painful or bothersome, consult your podiatrist.

Anyone with diabetes or poor circulation should seek medical attention earlier because of a higher risk for ulcers, infection and possible amputations. One should seek immediate medical attention if an ulcer or wound develops in the area, redness around the sore, pus-like drainage, increasing pain and swelling, fever, and change in color of fingers or toes. If an infection or ulcer does occur, unhealthy tissue may need to be removed by a podiatrist and the area treated until the wound heals.

Usually, preventing friction is really the only treatment needed. If a corn is the result of a poor-fitting shoe, changing to shoes that fit properly will usually eliminate the corn or make it pain free within a couple of weeks. Until then, protect the skin with donut-shaped corn pads, available in pharmacies. Use a pumice stone to gently wear down the corn.

Calluses often reflect undue pressure on the skin because of an underlying problem such as bunions, hammertoes or other bony deformities. Proper treatment or surgical correction of any underlying condition or deformity will prevent the calluses from returning. When you visit a podiatrist, they will perform a physical examination and an x-ray evaluation if needed.  They will trim the corns and calluses and pad the surrounding area to decrease foot pressures. If deformities are present, the podiatrist can perform surgery to correct them.

o For more information or to see a podiatrist, visit Bahamas Foot Centre Rosetta Street, telephone 325-2996; Bahamas Surgical Associates, Albury Lane, telephone 394-5820; or email us at foothealth242@gmail.com, or visit www.apma.org.

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