Corns and Calluses Health Video

Video Transcript

JONATHON UY, M.D.: Hello, my name is Dr. Jonathon Uy and I'm going to talk about corns and calluses. Corns and calluses are basically thickening of the skin. Corns are usually located on the toes and are usually thick and hard like a pebble basically. Calluses are usually found on the bottom of the foot and are just basically thickening of the skin layers. The symptoms are basically thickening of the skin which may lead to pain and irritation of the area of the callus or corn. Corns and calluses are usually due to either pressure or sheer forces due to walking and rubbing in the shoes. The treatment for corns and calluses can be done in many ways. One method is using corns and callus removers which are found over the counter. Those are usually acid products but the problem with these products if not used properly is that it can burn the skin. Another treatment is basically shaving the corn or callus using a blade or some other device but typically, it is advised to have a doctor or healthcare provider do that for you to prevent you from injuring yourself. Prevention of corns and calluses are basically using a proper shoe gear that would prevent from sheer or pressure forces as well as using emollients moisturizing lotions on a regular basis to help soften the corns and calluses. When using moisturizing lotions or emollients, it is best to use it twice a day, instead of once or ever so often. The reason for that is the lotions need to work in consistently to soften the soft tissue or the skin.