Corns or calluses (also called plantar hyperkeratosis) are a response of our body to an excess of friction or pressure in certain foot areas. Is the human body the best machine of all or not?
There is a clear difference between corn and calluses. Both develop naturally to help protect the skin underneath them, but… what are corn and calluses?
Corn is thickened skin that forms on the top or side of a toe. They can be painful. Most of the time it is caused by bad-fitting shoes. Symptoms include hardened, raised bumps surrounded by inflamed skin.
Calluses are thickened skin on the hands or soles of the feet, and they are painless. A plantar callus could appear on the bottom or plantar surface of the foot.
Can corns and calluses be removed? Yes! In this article, you will learn how to get rid of corns and calluses on feet. Get callus-free feet with our tips below.
To treat corns and calluses, we recommend:
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Soak the corn or callus in warm water for five to 10 minutes.
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File the corn or callus with Imperial Feet's Foot File. Use circular or sideways motions to remove dead skin. (Always be gentle with yourself, don't take off too much skin because it could cause lesions, bleeding, or infection. (Visit a doctor first if the skin is badly damaged).
- Apply a moisturizing lotion or cream daily with salicylic acid or urea like Imperial Feet's Corn and Calluses and Imperial Feet's Urea Foot Balm. These products will help gradually soften hard corns and calluses and they are the best corn and calluses treatment.
Prevent corns and calluses from appearing by following these 4 warnings:
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Wear shoes that have ample toe room. A common cause of corns and calluses is a shoe that is not the right size or shape for your foot. If you can't move your toes because your shoes are too tight, you can also ask a shoemaker to stretch them where they squeeze or pinch.
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Worn heels raise any uneven pressure on the heel bone. If the soles or heels of your shoes tend to wear unevenly, see an orthopedist or podiatrist about corrective shoes or insoles.
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Use protective overlays. Use insoles or bandages where your shoes are pinching. You can also try toe separators.
- Keep toenails trimmed. Too long toenails can force the toes to press against the shoe, which causes a callus to form over time.
Do you think you may have corn or calluses? At Imperial Feet, we can help. Check out our products here and follow us on our social networks Instagram @imperial_feet & Facebook @ImperialFeet