Corns and Calluses – What are they?

A callus is an area of dead skin production usually under the soles of the feet. These can also be seen on the palms of hands. Corns are very similar to calluses in that they are made up of the same material – keratin. Corns are formed when the pressure causing a callus is very localised. A corresponding dense core of dead skin forms in the centre of the callus as a result of very specific localised pressure.

There are four main types of corns encountered by podiatrists. These include:

• Hard Corns
• Soft Corns
• Seed Corns
• Neurovascular Corns

Corns and calluses are both simply an excessive build up of dead skin. Corns generally occur on parts of the skin subjected to excessive pressure or irritation. Consequently, corns and callous may be seen with poor fitting footwear including narrow or tight shoes. However, they may also be seen between toes, on top surface of toes or on the soles of the feet as a result of poor alignment of the bones of the feet.

What Causes Corns and Calluses?

There is only one cause – excessive pressure/or irritation. Podiatrists realise that this pressure may be the result of:

• Ill fitting shoes & /or
• Incorrect foot alignment during walking