There are five different types of corns. The two most common are hard and soft corns.

HARD CORNS

These are the most common and appears as small, concentrated areas of hard skin up to the size of a small pea, usually within a wider area of thickened skin or callous, and can be symptoms of feet or toes not functioning properly.

SOFT CORNS

These develop in a similar way to hard corns. They are whitish and rubbery in texture, and appear between toes, where the skin is moist from sweat, or from inadequate drying. Our state registered chiropodist will be able to remove the corn and advise you on future foot care.

SEED CORNS

These are tiny corns that tend to occur either singly or in clusters on the bottom of the foot. They are usually painless and are known to have been caused by dry skin.

VASCULAR CORNS

These corns will bleed profusely if they are cut and can be very painful.

FIBROUS CORNS

These arise from corns that have been present for a long time. They appear to be more firmly attached to the deeper tissues than any other corn. They may also be painful.

WHAT TO DO

Don't cut corns yourself, especially if you are elderly or diabetic, and don't use corn plasters or paints which can burn the healthy tissue around the corns. Home remedies, like lambswool around toes, are potentially dangerous. Commercially available 'cures' should be used only following professional advice.You could use a pumice stone to remove the thickened skin a little at a time, or relieve pressure between the toes with a foam wedge, but if you are unsure of what to do, or need special attention, our state registered chiropodist will be able to remove corns painlessly, apply padding or insoles to relieve pressure, or fit corrective appliances for long-term relief.

Callus

A callus, or callosity, is an extended area of thickened skin on the soles of the feet, and occurs on areas of pressure. It is the body's reaction to pressure or friction, and can appear anywhere the skin rubs against a bone, a shoe, or the ground.

Walking on stones?

Most calluses are symptoms of an underlying problem like a bony deformity, a particular style of walking, or inappropriate footwear. Some people have a natural tendency to form callus because of their skin type. Elderly people have less fatty tissue in their skin and this can lead to callus forming on the ball of the foot

WHAT TO DO

You can control a small amount of hard skin by gently rubbing with a pumice stone, or chiropody sponge occasionally when you are in the bath. Use a moisturising cream daily. If this does not appear to be working, seek advice from a chiropodist/podiatrist or pharmacist.If the callus is painful and feels as if you are "walking on stones", consult our state registered chiropodist who will be able to advise you why this has occurred and, where possible, how to prevent it happening again. Your chiropodist can also remove hard skin, relieve pain, and redistribute pressure with soft padding, strapping, or corrective appliances which fit easily into your shoes. The skin should then return to its normal state.The elderly can benefit from padding to the ball of the foot, to compensate for any loss of natural padding. Emollient creams delay callus building up, and help improve the skin's natural elasticity. Our state registered chiropodist will be able to advise you on the most appropriate skin preparations for your needs.

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