Arlington Foot & Ankle Center

Ben Pearl, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.

N.I.H. Consultant

CORNS AND CALLUSES

Corns and calluses are your body's way of protecting you from blisters or open sores. It is important to note that the corns are not a skin problem!  They develop because the skin is being crushed and irritated between the bones in your toes and your shoe.  Your body builds up this hard, dead skin to thicken and toughen an area where there is increased pressure or friction. When this area becomes too thickened, increased pain and redness may result. Corns and calluses can develop on the young and in the older person.  

Why do these corns and calluses start in the first place?  
Structural changes in the toes and the ball of the foot cause increased pressure within your shoes which causes corns and calluses to form. Deformities such as hammertoes and bone spurs contribute to the forming of corns and calluses.

What can you do about corns and calluses? Warm water soaks soften corns so that gentle rubbing with a pumice stone after soaking can remove dead tissue. We do not recommend that Diabetic patient do this because of the decreased sensation in your feet. All diabetics should consult a podiatrist for foot care. Pads can also be helpful in the treatment of corns. Our office carries an item called gel toe slippers that has proven to slow the formation of the corn. We do not recommend using any type of “medicated” corn or callus pad because the acid does not recognize the good skin from the callused skin.

Copyright 2001, Dr. Pearl. All rights reserved.