Corns/Calluses

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Corns and Calluses?

Corn is a thickened skin on the top or side of a toe.
Pharmacist

Callus is a thickened skin on your hands or the soles of your feet.

How do you know it is a corn or callus and not a wart or something else?



person with corns on the foot

For instance corns on the plantar surface may look like a plantar wart. It is very important to differentiate the two lesions.

Let's start with that.

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Corns/Calluses

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Is it a corn or wart?

See if you can get a clean, fine razor blade or a surgical blade.
Pharmacist

You will have to do something unusual. When you find one, continue.

 

Gently Shave the affected area with this blade.

Does it shave easily?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?

 

 

Was it very painful?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?
Probably looking at a wart.
Pharmacist

Corns will shave easily without pain.

Warts will be very painful.

Warning.
If it bleeds, cause a lot of pain, or expands, we strongly suggest you see your doctor.

Why?
You will want to rule out a melanoma.

Let's continue if you are still thinking corns or calluses.

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No?
You are more likely looking at a corn.
Pharmacist

Corns will shave easily without pain.

Warts will be very painful.

Warning.
If it bleeds, cause a lot of pain, or expands, we strongly suggest you see your doctor.

Why?
You will want to rule out a melanoma.

You need to rule out certain things before we send you to a pharmacist for recommendation on what to use over-the-counter for the corn or callus.

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Corns

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Need a doctor?

Is the corn or callus getting red?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?

 

 

Is it warm to touch?
Pharmacist

 

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • Looking at an infection.

 

Is it draining pus or liquid?
Pharmacist

 

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • Looking at an infection

 

Is it getting very painful?
Pharmacist

 

 

Is there an ulcer in the area of the corn or callus?
Pharmacist

 

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • May be looking at an infection.
  • Unhealthy tissue may need to be removed by a health care provider.
  • Treatment with antibiotics may be necessary.

 

Are you diabetic?
Pharmacist

 

Call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • Foot care regimen is required.
  • Selfcare can easily damage skin.

 

Have you lost sensations in the affected area?
Pharmacist

 

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • Possible peripheral nerve damage.

 

Do you have poor circulation?
Pharmacist

 

Call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • Need further evaluation

 


Let's get an over-the-counter recommendation for this corn or callus.
Pharmacist

Discuss what to expect and send to the pharmacist.

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