Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin which develop to shield that area from pressure and irritation. They will occur when something like footwear puts pressure on the foot repeatedly or causes high pressure against an area of the foot. It is called a callus generally if the thickening of skin happens on the bottom of the foot. If thickening happens on the top of the foot or toe it's usually referred to as a corn. Having said that, there is quite a lot of overlap between a corn and a callus. They aren't transmittable but tend to grow to be painful when they become too thick. In individuals with diabetes this may lead to more serious foot problems, so that they need to be given serious attention.
Corns frequently happen when a toe rubs up against the inside of a shoe or there is a toe deformity. Too much force on the balls of the foot, that is frequent in women who typically wear high heel shoes might cause calluses to develop underneath the balls of the feet. Those with certain deformities of the foot, including hammer toes, claw toes, or hallux valgus are susceptible to corns and calluses. Corns and calluses most often have a rough dull looking appearance. They usually are raised or rounded and without the right evaluation, they could be hard to differentiate from plantar warts. Should you have a corn or callus which is causing pain and discomfort or interfering with your day to day activities then its most likely best if you see a podiatrist. This can be a lot more important if you have diabetes or poor blood circulation. The podiatrist should perform a thorough evaluation of the feet as well as your footwear and look at the way you walk to determine why you have got the corns and callus. For minor corns or calluses they might suggest changing your shoes and make use of padding in your footwear. If they are larger, then your podiatrist might cut down them with a scalpel to cautiously and skilfully shave away the thickened skin. Further treatments may be needed if the corn or callus come back.
