FOOT SPECIALIST
12056 Mobile Ave
Gulfport, MS 39503
ph: (228) 832-4475
fax: (228) 832-1512
informat
Corns and callus are one of the most common problems seen by Podiatrists. They can occur on any part of the foot and vary in symptoms from a mild callus under the foot, to an infected ulcer that can develop under a corn on a toe. Other names for corns and callus are hyperkeratosis, clavus, heloma and tyloma). | ||
Pathologically they are all the same - the skin has thickened in response to pressure. A callus generally refers to a more diffuse thickening of the skin (more common on the toes, but can occur under the ball of the foot) whereas a corn is a thicker more focal area area (more common on the toes). A corn can occur under and be surrounded by callus. | ||
What is a footcorn and callus(hyperkeratosis)? | |
A corn or callus are areas of thickened skin that occur in areas of pressure. They are actually a normal and natural way for the body to protect itself. For example, callus develops on the hand when chopping a lot of wood - its a normal way for the skin to protect itself. In the foot, the skin will thicken up to protect itself when there are areas of high pressure. The problem occurs when the pressure continues, so the skin gets thicker. It eventually becomes painful and is treated as something foreign by the body. |
What does a footcorn and footcallus look like: | |
Corns appear as a horny thickening of the skin on the toes. This thickening appears as a cone shaped mass pointing down into the skin. Hard corns are usually located on the outer surface of the little toe or on the upper surface of the other toes, but can occur between the toes. A soft corn occurs between the toes and are kept soft by the moisture in this area. A callus is more diffuse area of thickening and does not have the focal point of the corn. | |
Copyright 2011 Dr. Edward R. Cohen Podiatry.
All rights reserved.
12056 Mobile Ave
Gulfport, MS 39503
ph: (228) 832-4475
fax: (228) 832-1512
informat