Corns and calluses are thick, hard layers of skin that are produced for protection due to pressure or friction from shoes and boots. This a normal defense mechanism of the skin to prevent harm of the deeper tissues.
The structure of corns and calluses are different.
- Corns are small skin bumps of hard skin that are conical in shape and are sometimes surrounded by red inflamed skin. They are smaller than calluses and have the tendency to form on the top, on the side, or between the toes. They can be painful to the touch.
- Calluses are areas of thick, flat skin under the ball of the foot or heel that is usually round around the edges. Although in general larger than corns, calluses too can be painful to the touch and come in all shapes and sizes.
Patients with corns and/or calluses can experience burning , inflammation and intense pain in the region of the lesion.