CORN OR CALLUS |
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General Information
DEFINITION
A corn is a painful thickening (bump) of the outer skin layer, usually over bony areas such as toe joints.
A callus is a painless (usually) thickening of skin caused by repeated pressure or irritation. Corns and calluses form to protect a skin area from injury caused by repeated irritation (rubbing or squeezing). Pressure causes cells in the irritated area to grow at a faster rate, leading to overgrowth. They are a frequent problem for all athletes.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Corn: A small, painful, raised bump on the side or over the joint of a toe. Corns are usually 3mm to 10mm in diameter and have a hard center.
Callus: A rough, thickened area of skin that appears after repeated pressure or irritation.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSRepeated injury to the skin, particularly on the feet. These occur frequently in athletes due to excessive perspiration, increased heat, friction of clothing and protective gear, or poorly fitting shoes. Athletic activities that cause pressure on the hands or knees include throwing sports, gripping sports and wrestling.
HOW TO PREVENT
Don't wear shoes that fit poorly.
Avoid activities that create constant pressure on specific skin areas.
When possible, wear protective gear such as gloves or knee pads.
Use corn and callus pads on the feet to reduce pressure on irritated areas.
Stretch the shoe at the spot where it covers the corn or callus.
Treat new shoes with leather-softening compounds such as mink oil.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a medical doctor or a podiatrist.
SURGERYAvoid surgery. It does not remove the cause. Postsurgical scarring is painful and may complicate healing.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS
Usually curable if the underlying cause can be removed. Allow 3 weeks for recovery. Recurrence is likely--even with treatment -- if the cause is not removed.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Back, hip, knee or ankle pain caused by a change in one's gait due to severe discomfort.
Mistaken diagnosis--sometimes a wart, splinter or ulcer can look like a callus.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTNot usually necessary. For resistant cases, your doctor may inject cortisone medication into the corn or callus to reduce inflammation.
HOME TREATMENT
Rub the thickened area with a pumice stone, sandstone, callus file or sandpaper to remove it. Don't cut it with a razor. Soak the area in warm water to soften it before rubbing.
After removing the top skin layer, cleanse the treated area with soap and water and apply a non-medicated corn or callus pad. Stretch the hole in the pad to fit over the corn or callus and overlap at !east 1/8 inch on all sides. Then wrap the treated area with adhesive tape.
Remove the source of pressure, if possible. Discard ill-fitting shoes.
Use corn and callus pads to reduce pressure on irritated areas.
Ask the shoe repairman to sew a metatarsal bar onto your shoe to use while a corn is healing.
MEDICATION
After peeling the upper layers of the corn or callus once or twice a day, apply ointment, petroleum jelly or massage oil.
Your doctor may prescribe cortisone injections.
ACTIVITYResume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have a corn or callus that persists, despite self-treatment.
Any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, heat or tenderness, develop around a corn or callus.
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