Corn and Calluses Treatment and Removal

What are Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are tough, thickened areas of skin which form because of pressure or friction on the skin. Corns and calluses develop naturally to help safeguard skin under them. However, these two conditions are often confused with one another and can be quite bothersome.

How do Corns and Calluses develop?

Corns develop as a result of bone strain on the skin. They are common on the tops and sides of the feet and on the bottoms of the toes. Frequent causes of corns are poorly-fitting shoes. Corns usually happen at pressure points such as the side of your foot or toes and can be very painful. There are even different types of corns such as hard corns that are small, thick clusters of dead skin with a soft center. A soft center corn is much thinner compared to a hard corn. These types of corns usually occur between the 4th and 5th digit of either foot. A seed corn develops on the sole of your foot. Some doctors believe this is due to plugged glandular ducts. Seed corns are tender and have fluid buildup causing pain while walking.

Calluses can develop anywhere on the body due activities that cause repeated friction such as playing the guitar or weightlifting. Calluses are normally harmless. There are several different types of variants such as plantar calluses (buildup of thick skin on the balls of feet). Most calluses are found either on hands or feet after repeated friction. They are to a certain extent meant to protect the skin.

Here at Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Farber has over 30 years of experience in diagnosing and treating both corns and calluses.

To deal with corns and calluses, Dr. Farber can administer various medical treatments such as shaving the top off to reduce the pain and irritation, administrating cryotherapy as well as prescribing medications that contain salicylic acid that would help corns and calluses to gradually peel off when applied properly. This is but a few of the therapeutic pearls used at the Center for Dermatology, Laser & Cosmetic Surgery by Dr. Harold F Farber, MD to treat corns and calluses.

However, we advise not to try any of the “at-home” remedies unless it was consulted by a physician such as Dr. Harold F Farber as we have seen problems occur that need to be either avoided or treated properly. It is dangerous to try these “at-home” remedies because of the risk of infection and the possibility of forming ulcers along with other potential complications. Take the proper steps by contacting Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery to treat yourself properly.