What are corns and callus?

A callus is a thickened toughened area of skin which has become thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure and irritation.

A corn is similar to a callus but it has a central hard core, also caused by repeated friction and pressure. Corns are generally more painful than a callous due to the deep hard core inside the corn/ calloused area.

What causes corns/callus?

Excessive pressure or irritation. This can be caused by:

• Poor biomechanics
• Bunions
• Flat feet
• Pronated feet
• High arched feet
• Hammer or retracted toes

Tight fitting shoes

• Ladies court shoes
• Poor fitting shoes (too small/ too big)

Repetitive exercise

• Runners or athletes

How are they treated?

Podiatrists will treat these in two ways. Firstly, the corn/callus is debrided (cut off – this does not hurt) as corn and callous skin is dead skin so can be removed without any pain.

Secondly, the podiatrist will determine the cause of the corn/callus and then offer advice on preventing recurrence of the problem.

Corns and callus are treated very successfully and can resolve, if you address both the symptom (the corn and callous) and the cause (the pressure/irritation).

This photo of the camels shows callouses on their legs. This is normal for a camel as they sit down on hot sand for extended periods of time and the calluses protect their skin and hair from burning. But for a human hard dry skin is not normal.   This skin grows in response to abnormal or increased pressure causing severe discomfort.

Be aware of:

Pharmacy corn pads, solutions, plasters or paints usually contain Salacylic acid. These can be dangerous as the acid disintegrates the corn and surrounding healthy skin. These are potentially very dangerous if you suffer from diabetes or circulation disorders as you may not be able to feel the damage it is causing your skin and not be able to heal the skin due to lack of good circulation.

We highly recommended that you avoid using pharmacy preparations and see our staff at the Kew Foot Clinic who are highly trained and experienced podiatrists who can remove corns and callous without causing you any pain.

If you are suffering corns or calluses, call Kew Foot Clinic on 03 9853 6877 to make an appointment for the appropriate treatment.