Conditions

CORNS & CALLOUS
The skin is divided into two layers, the deeper Dermis and the superficial Epidermis. The Epidermis is further divided into more skin layers. The outer layer of the Epidermis is a layer of dead skin cells which protects the skin from the sun, wind, rain etc. The Epidermis regenerates itself in full every 28 days or so. However when the skin is subjected to prolonged friction or rubbing this process of renewing or replacing the Epidermis speeds up to every 4 days or so in the area being rubbed. This results in a thickening of the outer layer of dead skin which is what we call callous. When the skin is subjected to pressure rather than friction the same thing happens, except that the thickened area of dead skin forms a lump or nucleus. This is known as a corn.

These corns and callous may become painful if left untreated or may result in ulcers developing in some people with poor health such as diabetic or those with frail skin. On occasion corns can develop a neuro-vascular characteristic which can extremely painful. This often happens if corns are removed by someone who does not know what they are doing. Corns are normally very easy and pain free to remove, giving instant relief. However if the cause of the corns or callous is not dealt with, i.e. the pressure, they will return. Treatment the pressure is often as simple as changing footwear or making some insoles.