Corns and calluses are areas of dead, hardened skin that form when friction occurs. They are a protective mechanism that the skin utilizes to keep the sensitive layers underneath safe. Treatment is usually fairly simple and rarely requires any invasive means.Both corns (which form on top of or in between the toes) and calluses (which form on the heels and balls of the feet or on your big toe) can be treated similarly at home. You must first soak your feet for about 10 minutes in warm water. Next, you will take a pumice stone and gently slough away some of the layers of dead skin. Afterwards, apply some moisturizing cream to the area. You may repeat these steps as many times as you need to.
If this method does not work you may need to visit our office so we can remove some of the dead tissue. We can also help you determine what is causing it to form and how to avoid the friction. For more information regarding this skin problem, call Dr. Mitchell Wachtel at (978) 794-8406 to schedule an appointment in our Haverhill, MA office.
