Foot Corn and Callus Removal (2025)

What are Foot Corn and Callus?

Foot corns and calluses are common skin conditions that result from the body’s response to friction, pressure, or repetitive activity. They are areas of thickened skin that develop to protect the underlying tissues from injury, irritation, or damage. While they serve a protective function, they can become painful and require treatment if they grow too thick or cause discomfort.

• Corns: These are smaller, more concentrated areas of thickened skin, often with a hard center, and typically form on the tops and sides of toes or between toes.
• Calluses: These are broader, less defined areas of thickened skin that usually develop on the soles of the feet, particularly under the heels or balls of the feet.
  

What Do Corns and Calluses Look Like?

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop as a protective response to friction and pressure. Although they serve a similar purpose, their appearances and locations on the feet can differ significantly.

Corns

• Corns are typically small and have a well-defined shape.
• They often feature a hard, dense core at the center, which may be surrounded by inflamed skin.
• Corns can appear yellowish, white, or gray, and the surrounding skin might be red and irritated.

Symptoms of corns include pain or tenderness, especially when pressure is applied, and a hard, raised bump often surrounded by red, inflamed skin. Additionally, corns feature a central core that can be particularly painful.

Calluses

• Calluses cover a broader area and have less defined edges compared to corns.
• They appear as thick, rough patches of skin.
• Calluses are generally yellowish or pale in color and may look dry or flaky.
• Commonly found on weight-bearing parts of the feet, such as the heels, balls of the feet, and sides of the big toes. They can also develop on the palms of the hands.

Symptoms of calluses generally include a lack of pain, but they can cause discomfort if they become too thick. They present as hard, thickened skin that can feel bumpy or uneven and are less sensitive to touch due to the thickened skin layer.

Corn and Callus Treatment & Removal Services in Houston

Our foot corn and callus removal services comprehensively address your condition and promote a smooth recovery. Podiatrists at CLS Health take the time to understand your unique health needs and lifestyle, providing tailored treatment plans that ensure the best outcomes.

Our podiatrists specialize in a range of treatments designed to safely and effectively remove corns and calluses. Common options include:

• Trimming and Scalpel Removal: Careful trimming of the hardened skin using a scalpel to remove corns and calluses.
• Medicated Patches: Application of medicated patches that contain salicylic acid to soften and gradually remove corns and calluses.
• Orthotic Devices: Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure on the foot and prevent recurrence.

Each procedure is meticulously planned and executed using advanced techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes and minimize recovery time.

If you have diabetes or another condition that affects blood flow, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider before attempting to treat a corn or callus at home. For others without underlying health issues, here are some helpful steps you can take to manage corns and calluses:

1. Soak Your Hands or Feet: Soaking your hands or feet in warm, soapy water softens the hardened skin, making it easier to address corns and calluses. This step is essential before any attempt to thin the thickened skin.
2. Gently Thin the Thickened Skin: After soaking, carefully rub the affected area with a pumice stone, nail file, or washcloth to gently remove the outer layer of tough skin. Avoid using sharp objects for this process, and if you have diabetes, steer clear of pumice stones altogether to reduce the risk of complications.
3. Use Corn Pads with Caution: To protect sensitive areas, apply donut-shaped foam pads around corns or calluses. If you choose to use over-the-counter medicated pads, be cautious, as they contain salicylic acid, which can irritate healthy skin or lead to infection, especially for those with diabetes. Applying petroleum jelly around the corn or callus before using a medicated pad can help safeguard the surrounding skin.
4. Moisturize Regularly: Keep your skin soft and hydrated by applying a moisturizer daily, especially to your hands and feet. This helps prevent further thickening of the skin and keeps it supple.
5. Wear Comfortable Shoes and Socks: Proper footwear is key to preventing further irritation. Opt for well-fitting, cushioned shoes and socks to alleviate pressure on corns and calluses and support the healing process.

How long does the corn and callus removal procedure take?

The corn and callus removal procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition and the method used for removal. Simple trimming or scalpel removal can be done relatively quickly during an office visit.

When can I resume normal activities after corn and callus removal?

Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure if it involves simple trimming or scalpel removal. However, if a more extensive treatment is used, such as medicated patches or orthotic fittings, you may need to follow specific guidelines from your podiatrist and avoid high-impact activities for a few days to ensure proper healing.

What is the most common method for removing corns and calluses?

The most common method for removing corns and calluses is trimming or scalpel removal performed by a healthcare professional. This procedure provides immediate relief by carefully removing the thickened skin. Other methods include medicated patches containing salicylic acid and custom orthotic devices to prevent recurrence.

What are the different types of corns?

There are three main types of corns: hard corns, which are dense and usually form on the tops and sides of toes; soft corns, which are softer, rubbery, and typically develop between the toes; and seed corns, which are small and often appear on the bottom of the feet, causing tenderness when pressure is applied.

Who is more likely to get corns and calluses?

Individuals who frequently wear ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or shoes without adequate cushioning are more likely to develop corns and calluses. Those who walk or stand for long periods, have foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes or engage in repetitive activities that put pressure on the feet are also at higher risk.

What causes corns and calluses?

Corns and calluses are caused by continuous friction and pressure on the skin, leading to thickened areas as a protective response. Common causes include wearing tight or loose shoes, high heels, walking barefoot, repetitive activities like running, and structural foot abnormalities that create pressure points.

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