Whats the Difference Between a Corn and a Callus are They The Same?

What is the difference between a corn and callus and are they the same?  This can be a little confusing since the both of them look quite similar. But in fact there are slight differences between the two.

So How Can You Tell a Corn from a Callus? and What's the Difference?

Corns have a thick layer of skin that occurs on the top of the toe or foot and can even be between the toes as well. If it's in between the toe you'll get a thick build-up of skin that's most likely a corn.

There are actually two types of corns, hard and soft. Hard Corns tend to be small and usually occur where the skin has thickened or where there are already calluses forming or in the bony areas of the foot. 

Soft corns however tend to be slightly whitish in color, with a rubbery soft texture. They commonly occur between the toes or in areas of moist and sweaty skin.

How can you Tell a Callus from a Corn ?

A callus forms a area of thickened skin this is as a response to repeated friction or pressure Calluses are also commonly found on the feet because of constant walking or poorly fitting footwear. 

While they can be perceived as unsightly, calluses are generally not harmful, but if neglected for long periods of time will sometimes lead to other complications, such as a skin ulceration or other infections.

What Causes Corns and Calluses to Form in The First Place?

Both are caused by pressure around that particular area and there's really no difference between the two other than where they tend to occur. Pressure builds up either from the toes rubbing together due to tight fitting shoes. 

Fat Pad Atrophy Can be a Major Cause and Painful As Well. 

In very rare cases it's because you have one bone slightly longer than the other this is what is known as fat pad atrophy. This is due to the fact there is pressure in that area more than the other, but in most cases, it's because of over tight-fitting shoes..

Another Cause for Corns and Calluses Forming is Called Hammertoe

It can also be caused by what we call a hammertoe, meaning the toe is bent up and when you rub on the top of the toe in turn, this makes the top of the toe rub on the tight-fitting shoes you wear.

Types of  Treatment for Corns and Calluses 

There's a lot of different reasons but basically, it's a pressure point issue. So how do you treat a corn or a callus? You could go to your local chemist and buy a corn or callus remover kit. This gives you the option of doing it at home. 

If you think it's serious enough you may need to go to a GP amd take an x-ray to figure out what the underlying cause could be such as a bone spur on the toes. In some, it's usually a bone spur that's causing the corn and causing the thick build-up of skin. 

Medical Surgery to Remove Excess Skin.

In order to fix the problem, a doctor may straighten the toe and cut out that abnormal skin in order to get the normal skin to heal back. But in most cases, you can just use the corn acid treatment that's just fine as an over-the-counter option if only minor.

The best thing you can do is changing the type of shoes you wear as well as adding supports such as custom orthotics. If using orthotic pads doesn't work then surgery may be something you have to think about..

But it's important to know the difference between a corn and a callus which in reality is not that much at all they are both really horrible skin conditions.

Difference Between a Corn and a Callus