Areas of your skin that receive extra pressure or stress may result in the development of calluses and corns, which are often painful and usually an annoyance. These are known medically as hyperkeratosis (plural=hyperkeratoses).
Unusually thick, top layers of skin – or keratin – is called a callus. These are often created wherever there is frequent rubbing or excessive pressure or working without protective clothing, like gloves. If attended to early enough, there is usually only mild discomfort.
Corns are a different story. They are small areas of thicker skin, formed on the toes and most often cause pain because they push against the bones.
“Podiatrist“ assists the patient in treating the corns and calluses with minimal discomfort.
Calluses and corns form as protective pads of skin in response to repeated friction or pressure. Causes include:
Your podiatrist will explore the area to determine whether you are dealing with corns or calluses. To correctly diagnose the problem, the doctor will also ask about symptoms.
The doctor may need to use a scalpel to reveal the layers of skin growth to make sure that it is a corn or callus, rather than a wart .
Most often, calluses and corns can successfully be treated at home with over the counter medications. In rare instances, minor surgery may be called for. If you are dealing with issues of circulation or diabetes, it is most important that you involve your medical doctor to avoid any serious infections.
Our doctors will suggest keratin-dissolving medication that help in dissolving calluses and corns more quickly. Severe instances of corns or calluses may require the experienced application of a scalpel to remove them. In rare instances of foot malformations that create extreme pain it may be necessary to surgically remove the corns.
Contact us for more information at (561) 123-1234