What are they? Corns and calluses are very common, naturally occurring areas of hard, thickened skin that form on the feet. They are not diseases themselves but rather the body’s protective response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. By building up extra layers of tough skin, the body attempts to protect the underlying soft tissue and bone. In the UK, they are extremely prevalent and a primary reason for seeking private podiatry care.

While both are made of the same dead skin cells, they differ significantly in their form and location:

• Callus (Tyloma): This is a larger area of flat, yellowish, hard skin, usually found on the soles of the feet—especially under the balls of the feet or around the edges of the heel—where the pressure is spread out over a wide area.
• Corn (Heloma): This is a small, concentrated "plug" or "cone" of hard, dead skin that has been pushed inwards. Corns usually develop at points of intense, focused pressure, such as on the tops or sides of the toes (hard corns) or between the toes (soft corns). Soft corns are moist due to sweat and can be particularly painful.

What are the symptoms?

• Callus: An area of rough, dry, thickened skin that feels less sensitive than surrounding skin. It can sometimes become very thick, causing a dull, throbbing pain when walking.
• Corn: A small, raised, painful bump with a hardened centre. The pain is typically sharp and can be excruciating when pressure is applied directly to it, like walking or wearing tight shoes.

What causes them? Anything that increases pressure or friction on the feet can cause corns and calluses:

• Ill-fitting Footwear: Shoes that are too tight, too narrow, or have high heels squeeze the feet, creating pressure points. Conversely, loose shoes can cause friction.
• Foot Deformities: Issues like bunions, hammer toes, or claw toes create bony prominent areas that rub against shoes.
• Biomechanical Issues: An abnormal walking pattern (gait), flat feet, or high arches can lead to uneven weight distribution and excessive pressure on certain parts of the foot.
• Walking Barefoot: Walking frequently without shoes on hard surfaces.
• Activities: Certain repetitive sports or occupations that involve prolonged standing or running.

What are the treatment options? It is crucial not to attempt to cut corns or calluses off yourself, as this can lead to severe injury, infection, or ulceration, especially if you have a condition like diabetes. A private podiatrist can provide immediate and safe relief:

• Painless Debridement: This is the most effective and immediate treatment. The podiatrist uses specialized, sterile instruments (like scalpel blades) to carefully and painlessly pare down the callus and gently "enucleate" (remove the centre 'plug' of) the corn.
• Deflective Padding: We can apply bespoke felt or silicone padding to shift pressure away from the sore spot.
• Footwear Advice: A crucial part of preventing recurrence. We can provide personalized advice on choosing footwear with adequate width, depth, and arch support to eliminate friction and pressure points.
• Custom Orthotics: If a biomechanical issue is identified, custom-made insoles can re-distribute your body weight more evenly, preventing the recurrence of calluses and corns.
• Silicone Toe Props: To keep toes separated and prevent soft corns from forming between them.
• Emollient Therapy: Advice on using specialist urea-based creams to keep skin soft and prevent cracking.