Calluses and corns

Calluses are a thickening of the surface layer of the skin. The medical term for corns and calluses is hyperkeratosis. A callus refers to a more diffuse, flattened area of thick skin while a corn is a thick, localized area that usually has a conical or circular shape. Corns, also known as helomas, sometimes have a dry, waxy, or translucent appearance.

Corns and calluses occur on parts of the feet and sometimes the fingers. Corns can be painful to walk on, even when they are

small. Common locations for corns are on the sole, over the metatarsal arch-or the ball of the foot. They can be found on the outside of the fifth (small or pinky) toe, where it rubs against the shoe and between the fourth and fifth toes. Unlike other corns that are firm and flesh-colored, corns between the toes are often whitish and messy. They are sometimes called "soft corns". in contrast to the more common "hard corns".

Hyperkeratosis simply means thickening of the skin. This thickening occurs as a natural defense mechanism that strengthens the skin in areas of friction or pressure. Hammer toe or other toe deformities can lead to corn or callus formation as can bony prominences in the feet. Footwear that is too tight or that exerts friction at specific points can also cause skin thickening that le

ads to corns and calluses. Abnormalities in gait or movement that result in increased pressure to specific areas can also be the cause.

You should wear supportive shoes with a wide enough toe box. Moisturizing creams with urea help to exfoliate the thickened skin. By no means should you use a razor to trim away the thick skin, especially if you are diabetic.

At the Advanced Footcare Clinic we recommend Gormel 20. It has 20 percent urea which helps to exfoliate and moisturize the callus. This is the highest percent of urea that can be purchased at our office without a prescription.

If you are experiencing painful corns or calluses and have just can't seem to find anything that can help you give the office of Dr. T F. Vail, DPM a call at 419-423-1888 to set up an

appointment.

On our website: www.vailfoot.com we have many products to help with corns and calluses. Dr. Jill's felt pad helps to take the pressure off the area so that it is not so painful to walk.