CORNS & CALLUSES
What are Corns & Calluses?
Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. They most often develop on the feet and toes or hands and fingers. Corns and calluses can be unsightly.
Symptoms of Corns & Calluses?
You may have a corn or a callus if you notice:
- A thick, rough area of skin
- A hardened, raised bump
- Tenderness or pain under your skin
- Flaky, dry or waxy skin
Causes for Corns & Calluses?
Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses to develop and grow. Some sources of this pressure and friction include:
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes. Tight shoes and high heels can compress areas of your feet. When footwear is too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a seam or stitch inside the shoe.
- Skipping socks. Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can cause friction on your feet. Socks that don’t fit properly also can be a problem.
- Foot deformities
- Standing jobs
- Poor blood flow
- Dry skin
- Walking bare feet
When to see a podiatrist?
See a podiatrist before your corn or callus becomes very painful or inflamed. If you have diabetes or poor blood flow, call your podiatrist as soon as you see any type of corn or callus because even a minor injury to your foot can lead to an infected open sore (ulcer), which can lead to amputation.
Treatments for Corns & Calluses?
- Trimming away excess skin. Your podiatrist can pare down thickened skin or enucliate a large corn with a scalpel, usually during an office visit. Don’t try this yourself because it could lead to an infection.
- Callus-removing medication. Your podiatrist may also apply a urea cream or silver nitrate
- Custom Orthotics As corns and callous form due to pressure, orthotics can be used to redistribute this pressure to prevent them to returning. If you have an underlying foot deformity, your podiatrist may prescribe custom-made orthotics to cater for the change in shape of your foot.
Are Corns & Calluses treatments covered by Private Health Insurances?
Call us to find out whether corns and callous treatment is covered by your private health care provider. There are a few things to consider with your private health fund such as your level of cover, your policy waiting periods, annual limits and fund rules. It is important to know what you are up for prior to your visits to avoid unwanted, expensive surprises.