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More about Corns and Calluses:
Definition Causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Alternative treatment Prognosis Prevention Resources |
Corns and calluses do not usually require medical attention unless the person who has them has diabetes mellitus, poor circulation, or other problems that make self-care difficult.
Treatment should begin as soon as an abnormality appears. The first step is to identify and eliminate the source of pressure. Placing moleskin pads over corns can relieve pressure, and large wads of cotton, lamb's wool, or moleskin can cushion calluses.
Using hydrocortisone creams or soaking feet in a solution of Epsom salts and very warm water for at least five minutes a day before rubbing the area with a pumice stone will remove part or all of some calluses. Rubbing corns just makes them hurt more.
Applying petroleum jelly or lanolin-enriched hand lotion helps keep skin soft, but corn-removing ointments that contain acid can damage healthy skin. They should never be used by pregnant women or by people who are diabetic or who have poor circulation.
It is important to see a doctor if the skin of a corn or callus is cut, because it may become infected. If a corn discharges pus or clear fluid, it is infected. A family physician, podiatrist, or orthopedist may:
- remove (debride) affected layers of skin
- prescribe oral antibiotics to eliminate infection
- drain pus from infected corns
- inject cortisone into the affected area to decrease pain or inflammation
- perform surgery to correct toe deformities or remove bits of bone
— Maureen Haggerty
