Corns and Calluses

Generally, corns, calluses and nails, affecting virtually the entire population, are areas of thick, hardened skin that arise in response to the stratum corneum, the most superficial skin-friction to stimuli held by friction or pressure . However, although they share many features they are not equal.
Corns, moderately painful, are notorious thickening of certain areas of the skin, which are formed mainly in places with flat underlying bone (palms and soles), with well-defined edges, and may be preceded by blisters.

Calluses, now indicates Dermatology specialist, are similar to corns, though more superficial and painless. And the nails, also known as "corns" or "partridge" are circumscribed thickening with a central plug hard core or cone-shaped, and a thin end inward pressure which creates severe pain. They are most frequently seen at the edges of the smaller toes of the feet by rubbing with footwear, in plants and in other locations.

 Are The origin of these calluses is given exclusively by prolonged and intermittent skin friction?

Essentially, that is the basic cause that produces them, determined by the use of inappropriate footwear, foot deformities, physical or occupational activities that cause repeated friction or pressure on the skin, and bad habits of posture and walking.  Indeed, either by wearing shoes that cause skin friction with shoes or stockings that squeeze tighter around the toes, toes-pressed by high heels.

Are they equally common in men and women?

The frequency is similar, which will be depending on habits, individual characteristics and profession. Now, it is more common in adults than be subjected to the highest risk for the emergence of these conditions. Consider that an average person walks about 100,000 miles in his lifetime. When we add to the physiological changes of aging, microtrauma that occur, it makes people more likely to seniors suffering from corns, calluses or nails.

 Do calluses and corns calls have similarities with plantar warts?

On physical examination can be differentiated because calluses are painful to direct pressure while warts lateral pressure. Besides, these do not necessarily arise in rubbing or friction sites  one the sole of the foot. Plantar warts are viral illnesses caused by strains of Human Papillomavirus, more common in young people.

Will calluses disappear just by removing the cause that produced them?

In general, if the cause can be corrected, the calluses tend to disappear for periods of about a month.

Are corns, calluses and nail treatments difficult?

When the cause can not be corrected can be difficult to remove completely, as sometimes occurs in people with foot deformities. In diabetics or people with other chronic diseases is also more difficult to manage.

Are drugs used locally or surgical removal?   Are the treatment paths well established?

Usually the local application of drugs, in addition to the correction of the factor that causes the callus, are sufficient to eliminate the disorder. Sometimes it requires surgery to correct deformities of the feet.

What professionals are able to offer the treatments?

These are conditions commonly treated by podiatrists, which may require the attention of dermatologists when there is diagnostic uncertainty or complications that they can not solve with conventional treatments, and also be assessed and treated by orthopedic when bone deformities.
It is advisable to avoid rubbing maintained with footwear, and wear comfortable shoes, not too big or too small, and no tight ends. Also wear socks smooth, without ridges, and protect areas of friction with physical media: cotton or any flexible material that prevents friction.