dermatologic disorders
Calluses and Corns
Treatment of Calluses and Corns
Manual removal Keratolytics Cushioning Altering foot biomechanics Sometimes expert foot care A nail file, emery board, or pumice stone used immediately after bathing is often a practical way to manually remove hyperkeratotic tissue. Keratolytics (eg, 17% Cushioning and altering foot biomechanics can help prevent corns and help treat existing corns. Although difficult to eliminate, pressure on the affected surface should be reduced and redistributed. For foot lesions, soft, well-fitting shoes are important; they should have a roomy toe box so that toes can move freely in the shoe. Stylish shoes often prevent this freedom of motion. Shoes that increase discomfort of a lesion should be eliminated from the wardrobe. Pads or rings of suitable shapes and sizes, moleskin or foam-rubber protective bandages, arch inserts (orthotics), or metatarsal plates or bars may help redistribute the pressure. For corns and calluses on the ball of the foot, an orthotic should not be full length but should extend only to the ball or part of the shoe immediately behind the corn or callus. Surgical off-loading or removal of the offending bone is rarely necessary. Patients who have a tendency to develop recalcitrant painful calluses and corns may need regular care from a podiatrist. Patients who also have impaired peripheral circulation, particularly if they also have Diabetes Mellitus (DM) , require intensive foot care. 