Treatment
Treatment of calluses and corns usually includes self-care and medication. In severe cases, minor surgery may be necessary. People with diabetes or circulatory problems should always see a medical doctor or podiatrist for treatment. Self-treatment may lead to severe infection in these individuals.
Self-Care
For calluses:
- Wear gloves, thick socks, or padding to protect skin.
- Thin the callus by rubbing with a pumice stone while bathing.
For corns:
- Wear properly fitting shoes.
- Remove bunching of socks, irritating stitching from socks, or any other local irritant.
- Try using doughnut-shaped corn pads, which may relieve pressure on corns.
Medication
Applying keratin-dissolving medication (such as salicylic acid) can help dissolve calluses and corns more quickly. Apply medication carefully because it contains acid that may damage nearby healthy skin.
Minor Surgery
In severe cases, corns or calluses may need to be shaved off with a scalpel by a doctor. More extensive surgery may be recommended to correct foot deformities that cause extremely painful or debilitating corns.
If you are diagnosed as having a callus or corn, follow your doctor's instructions .