| By :
David Duffield
Corns and calluses are common non-harmful foot problems that develop over time. As they are often hidden for most of the time, they can easily get disregarded. Demanding urgent attention only when they have already painfully manifested, or worse, have already become inflamed. Calluses tend to be formed first through blistering, caused by too much friction occurring too fast for the skin to develop a protective layer. When pressure and contact cease to be applied, the blistered skin, upon healing, may turn into calluses. As calluses are hardened areas of skin that have thickened through repetitive contact, they are usually found where the bare skin comes into contact with footwear, such as in the soles, especially in the heel area, as well as the toes of the feet. On the other hand, corns are circular-shaped calluses that usually occur on thin, smooth and hairless skin surfaces, especially on the dorsal surface of toes. They are also caused by friction, developed overtime. Corns have a hard center resembling a funnel with a broad raised top and a pointed bottom. Calluses and corns tend to disappear eventually if the source of irritation is consistently avoided. Both conditions are preventable by properly-fitting shoes and proper protective padding. They may also be removed by applying keratolytic agents like salicylic acid and sanding them down with pumice stone or emery boards. Calluses and corns may grow in highly sensitive areas of the foot so extra care should be taken to avoid over filing the hardened skin so as not to include the otherwise soft parts and risk infection. This is especially true for people with diabetes. Diabetes, which tends to impair capillaries through which nutrients for feeding the skin are coursed, greatly increases callus formation and increases the risk of foot ulcers which can now be life-threatening if not treated delicately. Diabetic foot infections are the leading cause of diabetic limb amputation. A foot health practitioner such as a podiatrist can provide safe and medically-sound callus and corn removal. Here are some key indicators when it is time to schedule that visit: 1. When there is a spreading redness around the sore
2. The presence of a pus-like discharge from or around the sore
3. Increasing incidence of pain and swelling
4. Mild to High Fever
5. Changes in the color of the toes or affected areas of the foot
6. Signs of Gangrene or tissue decay on the affected areas of the foot As with any medical condition, knowing when to seek professional medical help is crucial to timely interventions. An inflamed corn or callus may just be a limb-saving visit away from your nearest community podiatrist.
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