Corn or Callus, What’s the Difference?
Now that you’re wearing those summer shoes or hanging out at the pool, you may notice some thick areas of skin on your feet, possibly even causing some pain. It could be a corn or a callus, but what’s the difference between the two?
Corn- Getting its name from its resemblance to a corn kernel, a corn is a small, circular, thickened area found in the skin of the foot. Corns are hard in the middle and usually form after repeated pressure on the skin, such as rubbing by a shoe or toe.
Callus- When your foot rubs repeatedly against your shoe or sock, the friction and pressure can cause the skin to produce a thick layer of protective skin called a callus. A callus can vary in size and does not have the hard center the corn has, so it may not be as painful as a corn.
Whether you have a corn or callus, don’t try to remove the skin at home, as serious infection may occur. It is also important to avoid using medicated corn pads for the same reason. If you are suffering from either issue, make an appointment with my office and I can evaluate the best course of treatment for your particular condition.
