Corns and calluses are both hardened layers of dead skin that can develop on the feet to protect them from stress, irritation and rubbing that has occurred over a period of time—usually as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes or friction between the toes. The difference between corns and calluses is where they are located: calluses are on the bottom of the toes, and corns are on a bony area on the top of the foot. Corns also have a thick “core” of skin at their base and are either hard (on the top of the toes), or soft (between the toes). Corns, like calluses, can be painful and cause difficulty walking. Occasionally, a little blood may collect where the skin of the foot and the corn meet and cause discoloration or even split the skin and allow an infection to possibly occur. You can help avoid getting a corn by wearing properly sized shoes with plenty of room for the toes to move. If the corn does not go away on its own over several months, or is causing pain or difficulty walking, a podiatrist may relieve discomfort or even remove pressure and pain from the area by safely shaving away some of the dead skin. They may also be able to correct any structural issue you might have using orthotics to distribute weight more evenly.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.