Thickened layers of skin caused by repeated pressure or friction.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
A corn is a small area of thickened skin that occurs on the top or side of a toe. It is usually the result of friction or pressure from shoes that do not fit properly. A callus may develop on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet in areas where pressure or friction occur. The thickening of the skin is a protective reaction designed to protect the skin. For example, farmers and rowers get calloused hands which prevent them from getting painful blisters during their activities. People with bunions get a callous over the bunion because that part of the toe has become very prominent and rubs against the shoe. Neither of these conditions are serious.
Treatment
Usually, removing the cause of the friction is the only treatment needed. If the corn is a result of a poor fitting shoe, changing to proper fitting shoes will usually eliminate the corn in a period of weeks. Until then, the skin can be protected with corn pads or felt. If desired an abrasive, like a pumice stone, may be gently used to wear down the callous. Calluses in the hands can usually be treated by wearing gloves during activities that involve the hands like gardening, weight lifting, and rowing. People with diabetes mellitus need special foot care if these problems develop because they are at high risk for infections and ulcers that are notoriously difficult to treat. Please see your doctor if you have diabetes and are concerned about your feet.
If infection or ulceration of the foot or hand occurs in an area of callus or corn formation, unhealthy tissue may need to be removed by a health care provider and treatment with anti-biotics may become necessary.
Expectations (prognosis)
Corns and calluses are rarely serious. Treated properly they will get better and they will not cause long term problems.
Complications
Complications of this problem are rare. People with diabetes are prone to ulcers and infections and they should regularly examine their feet to identify these problems immediately and seek medical attention.
Calling your health care provider
People with diabetes who notice problems with their feet should contact their health care providers. Otherwise, simply changing to better fitting shoes or wearing gloves should resolve most problems with corns and calluses. If you suspect that your corn or callous infected or not getting better despite treatment, contact your health care provider.
Prevention
Wearing shoes that fit properly and wearing gloves while participating in manual labor activities will prevent the vast majority of corns and calluses.