$Unique_ID{BRK00806}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{What Can be Done for Corns and Calluses}
$Subject{corns bunions calluses}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Can be Done for Corns and Calluses


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QUESTION:  My feet are a constant torment, with corns and calluses that are
painful and unsightly.  There are times I can barely get about.  What should I
do to rid myself of these problems?

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ANSWER:  Corns and calluses, as well as warts, are collectively referred to as
hyperkeratoses.  A hardened area of skin is a callus, while a corn contains a
hard, whitish core.  Warts are usually viral in origin; while a specific wart
may be removed, the virus itself remains in the system.
     Corns and calluses result when a foot is squeezed into a tight shoe, or
an internal bone rubs against the fleshy part of the foot.  Often, a corn
develops to protect the foot against injury to its internal parts; any
treatment must take this underlying condition into account.
     Projections on the bones within the foot--called condyles--are often to
blame for corns.  The condyle may have become thicker than normal due to
injury or arthritis, and may need to be surgically shaved off, a procedure
which can often be performed with a minimal incision in the skin.
     Abnormal bone movement may be at fault.  Instead of surgery,
orthotics--special molded devices--are inserted into the patient's shoes to
redirect the movement of his or her pedal bones.  This results in improved
distribution of body weight while walking or running, and less sensitivity in
the corns and calluses.
     Calluses can be "pared"--cut away by a podiatrist, or treated with
solutions to reduce their thickness.  Pads that direct the body's weight away
from the corn, or protect it from friction also provide effective relief.
Your doctor can help you select footwear that will lessen pressure on
sensitive areas.  In any event, the first step in getting back on your feet is
a visit to the appropriate specialist--either a dermatologist or podiatrist,
depending upon the nature of your problem.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
