Dr. Chester Laskoski
Foot and Ankle Care

Foot Care

Corn and Calluses

Corns, also called helomas, are thickened areas of skin that form in response to excessive pressure and friction. They form to protect the skin and the structures beneath it from damage or injury. Corns are usually hard and circular, with a waxy or translucent center. They may become painful or ulcerated in response to persistent friction.

Calluses are protective pads made up of the thickened upper layer of skin due to repeated rubbing of the area. Corns are small calluses that develop on the top of the toes due to pressure or rubbing against shoes or other toes.

Treatment for calluses and corns:

Calluses are usually painless, but corns can be quite painful. Sometimes corns are confused with warts. Calluses can be avoided by removing the source of the rubbing and thinning the callus with a pumice stone. Treatment for corns may include:

• applying pads around the corn area
• wearing larger, more comfortable shoes
• Conservative shaving of the corn by the doctor
• surgery