Calluses vs Corns: The feet's protective mechanisms

Calluses and corns are the results of the body forming protective skin around a sensitive area. They might be unattractive or bothersome, but they serve a purpose.

Calluses form on the outermost layer of the skin and don’t cause any pain. They are found in places where friction occurs such as the hands or feet. This means a lot of rubbing has taken place in that location. A callus found on the foot is called a plantar callus.

Corns are found where there are pressure points. They mainly occur on the bottom of the feet or on the side of the toes. These can be painful. Corns can turn hard because this is a small patch of dead skin. Corns can also be soft, especially those that occur between the toes. Seed corns are the type you can barely see but are painful with pressure or weight-bearing. They could be caused plugged sweat ducts.

Often, calluses and corns are the results of the type of shoe a person is wearing. High heels are the worst, but any poorly fitting shoes and improper walking form can lead to these skin mishaps. Due to high heels, women are four times more likely to develop calluses or corns.

Wearing shoes without socks can also cause additional friction.

Another problem is that our feet are breeding grounds for bacteria because they are mostly enclosed and moist from sweat. Therefore, if a corn or callus bleeds because the skin has broken, it's possible that an infection can occur.

Corns that discharge clear pus may mean that it is infected and needs to be treated by a doctor. This is especially true for diabetics who have poor circulatory problems.

Calluses and corns are not dangerous, but they can have potential harmful side effects when a person tries to remove or cut them off themselves. So it's generally best to seek help for removal rather than attempting self-removal.

Even persons with the most proper hygiene can develop these challenges. Sometimes the problem is actually related to bone structure and cannot be self-treated.

A doctor can examine the area to determine if it's a callus or corn. A callus, when scraped off, will not bleed. On the other hand, it could be a wart, which, when scraped off will bleed. Warts are viral and spread, whereas calluses and corns do not.

Most calluses and corns can be treated just by changing shoes or trimming the dead skin. The key is avoiding friction or pressure.

Moleskin pads can be placed on the area to alleviate pressure. Infected corns need to be treated with antibiotics to clear up the infection. There are moisturizing creams that can help soften the skin to help remove calluses. A pumice stone or stiff brush can be used to remove calluses as well. Sometimes a doctor will perform surgery to remove a plantar callus. However, calluses can return. A podiatrist can recommend shoe inserts to help prevent friction as well. Wearing protective gloves when using the hands a lot can also help.

Skin doesn’t like pressure and friction. To keep skin soft and smooth, the less rub the better. Don’t sacrifice cute shoes for painful dead skin later. 

--Resources:--

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/14554665_Callosities_corns_and_calluses

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4869362/

https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/corns-and-calluses