Callus, corns & hard skin

Toe nail trimming or cutting of long toe nails, be that because you cannot reach them or they are thick toe nails or have an unusual shape is very common in Podiatry, Chiropody and Foot Health treatments. Ingrowing toenails are not covered by this service.  We regularly deal with the following nail-cutting concerns:

Hard skin, thick callus and corns can build up on heels and balls of feet and toes. Painful feet can be a result of corns and hard skin and can impact daily life.  Hard skin build-up and painful corns can easily be removed by our team to leave your feet feeling more comfortable.

Hard skin, calluses, and corns are common foot conditions that result from repeated friction or pressure on the skin. These conditions develop as the body’s natural response to protect the skin from further damage. They often occur on the soles of the feet and toes, where the skin is subject to constant rubbing against footwear or other surfaces.

1. Hard Skin (Hyperkeratosis): Hard skin, also known as hyperkeratosis, is a thickening of the outer layer of skin (epidermis). It is a normal protective response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. Over time, as the skin is exposed to these factors, it becomes tougher and thicker to prevent injury. While hard skin is usually not painful, it can lead to discomfort if left untreated or if it develops into more serious conditions like calluses or corns.
2. Calluses: Calluses are areas of toughened, thickened skin that develop as a result of continuous pressure or friction. They usually form on weight-bearing areas of the feet, such as the heels, balls of the feet, and the sides of the big toes. Calluses are larger and more diffuse than corns, and they often have a relatively flat appearance. They are usually not painful unless they become excessively thick or cracked, which can lead to discomfort or pain.
3. Corns (Heloma): Corns are small, localized areas of thickened skin that form in response to pressure or friction. Unlike calluses, corns tend to have a more defined, conical shape with a central core that can press into the deeper layers of skin, causing pain. There are two main types of corns:
   • Hard Corns: These are small, dense, and typically form on the tops or sides of toes where they experience friction from footwear or adjacent toes.
   • Soft Corns: These are white, rubbery lesions that often develop between the toes where the skin is moist. They are usually caused by pressure from toe bones rubbing against each other.