Corns and calluses are areas of hard, thickened skin that develop
when the skin is exposed to excessive pressure or friction. They
commonly occur on the feet and can cause pain and discomfort when you walk.
Corns
Are small circles of thick skin that usually develop on the tops and sides of toes or on the sole of the foot. However, they can occur anywhere. Women often get them if they’ve been wearing badly fitting shoes or spent a lot of time standing during the day. Corns often occur on bony feet as there’s a lack of natural cushioning.
Calluses
Are hard, rough areas of skin that are often yellowish in colour. They can develop on foot, most often around the heel area or over the ball of the foot. They can also develop on the palms of the hands and knuckles. Calluses are larger than corns and do not have such a well-defined edge. As callused skin is thick, it is often less sensitive to touch than the surrounding skin.
Develop when the skin rubs against something, such as a bone, a shoe or the ground. They often form over the ball of your foot because this area takes most of your weight when you walk. This is particularly the case in women who regularly wear high heels.
Causes
Corns can develop as a symptom of another foot problem, such as a bunion (a bony swelling at the base of the big toe) or hammer toe (where the toe is bent at the middle joint)
Excessive pressure on bony areas of the foot, badly fitting shoes and lots of walking or running are all possible causes of calluses.
Foot problem prevention
Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them and apply a special moisturising foot cream
Use a pumice stone or foot file regularly to gently remove hard skin.
Wear comfortable footwear that fits properly.
Do not put up with foot pain as if it is normal.
Products that may help
Vitamin E Oil – massaged into area to help soften the skin
Dr Organic Foot Creams Range
Lavender and Geranium Oil (for massaging) – may help soften the skin and reduce pain
If you have a corn on your foot, you should also consider seeing a podiatrist, also known as a chiropodist; who can advise about treatment.
