A callus is a toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure or other irritation.

A corn is a specially shaped callus of dead skin. It usually forms on hairless and smooth skin surfaces, especially between the toes or fingers.

Corns and calluses generally form when the skin tries to protect an underlying area from injury, pressure or rubbing. They are not usually painful, but can become sore if they grow.

WHAT CAUSES CORNS AND CALLUSES?

Anything that results in higher levels of pressure or friction on the skin can cause corns or calluses to develop.

• Badly fitting shoes: The shoes may be too tight (pressure), or sometimes too loose (rubbing/friction). Very high heels. A badly placed seam in a shoe can rub against the skin.

• Socks: Either not wearing any socks or having socks that don’t fit properly.

• Hand tools: Some work, house or garden tools, if used repetitively, can cause calluses in the person’s hands.

• Walking barefoot: If done regularly, the skin will thicken to protect itself.

• Repeated actions on the feet (or one foot) jogging or walking in an odd way.

CHARACTERISTICS

A corn will most typically develop on the top and side of the toes — its inside may be either soft or hard. Hard corns are common. They tend to be small and occur in areas of firm, hard skin — areas of thickened skin or calluses.

Bony areas of the foot are favourite sites for hard corns. Soft corns tend to be whitish in colour, and have a rubbery texture. They more commonly occur between the toes (areas of moist and sweaty skin).

Calluses are yellowish or pale in colour. They feel lumpy to the touch. However, as the skin is thick, it may be less sensitive to touch compared to the skin around it.

Calluses are often bigger and wider than corns, and do not have such defined margins (edges). Calluses commonly appear where the skin frequently rubs against something, such as a bone, some item of footwear, or the ground. They typically form over the bony area just under the toes — areas of skin which take the person’s weight when they are walking.

DIFFERENCES

• Corns are smaller than calluses.

• Corns generally (not always) have a hard centre.

• Corns have a hard centre surrounded by inflamed skin.

• Corns usually occur in non-weight-bearing parts of skin (not always).

• Corns can be painful when pressed.

• Calluses are not generally painful.

• Calluses are usually larger than corns, and vary in shape.

• Calluses generally develop on the soles of the feet, especially under the heels or balls, on the palms of the hands, and also on the knees.

PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CORNS AND CALLUSES

• Microdermabrasion: A mechanical exfoliation of the affected area.

• Laser resurfacing: Laser removal utilises a high-powered and medical grade laser to literally burn the corns off the foot. Because overgrown cellular tissues that cause corns or calluses don’t contain pain receptors, the procedure is relatively painless.

• Chemical Peels: Various topical application dissolves the protein (keratin) that makes up most of both the corn and the thick layer of dead skin which usually tops it.

AT-HOME CARE

1. Apple cider vinegar: You can also use apple cider vinegar to treat a callus. Its acidic nature helps soften the hard skin and speed up the healing process.

2. Epsom salt soak: One of the easiest ways to treat a foot callus is to soak the affected area in warm water mixed with Epsom salt. It will help soften the area, thereby making it easier to scrub the dead skin away.

3. Baking soda: This works as a natural exfoliant, making it a very good remedy for calluses. The crystals in baking soda help exfoliate the hardened skin.

4. Lemon: Both lemon juice and lemon peel can be used in the treatment of calluses. The acidic nature of lemon will help get rid of the callus very quickly.

5. Onion: Onion is acidic in nature, hence it is very effective for treating calluses. Plus it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Castor oil: Natural oil like castor oil is also a good remedy for calluses. This thick oil will help to moisturise dry and rough skin, which makes it effective in softening calluses.

Michelle Vernon is a licensed esthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare establishment, located at 23 Central Plaza, Kingston 10. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 IG @bodystudioskincare Website: www.bodystudioskincare.com