Corns and Calluses
Introduction
Corns and calluses are common skin lesions in which there is a localized area of hard, thickened skin.
- Different from warts, corns and calluses are caused by response to friction and pressure. Repetitive injury results in the skin trying to protect itself from blistering.
- The most common site for a corn or a callus is on the hand or foot, but any area of skin may be affected.
Differential Diagnosis
Corn and calluses appear as white or yellow hyperkeratinized areas of skin, unlike verrucas, which show black thrombosed capillaries seen as black dots on the surface of verruca.Treatment
Removal of the precipitating factors will result in resolution of the problem. Therefore, preventive measures should form the mainstay of treatment.
- Choose well-fitting, comfortable, flat footwear.
- If pressure and friction still persist when correctly fitted shoes are worn, patients can obtain relief by shielding or padding.
- Use leather gloves for repetitive tasks that injure the skin.
- Pumice stone or keratolytics (such as salicylic acid or urea) can be used to reduce thickness.
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