That irritated, hard spot on your foot isn’t normal – it could be a callus or a corn on your foot. . If you’re unsure what’s causing that pain between your toes or on your heel, talk to a local Media podiatrist to find out the difference between calluses and corns. 

While these agitated areas are very similar they do have some differences in the way they form and how you should seek treatment. 

Calluses Form Anywhere, Especially on Your Feet, says Media Podiatrist 

Calluses are often related to the hands. In many stories, writers use the phrase “callused hands” to describe people with labor-intensive occupations like farmers and factory workers. This is because calluses form when repetitive pressure and rubbing causes a hardened buildup of skin. 

A callus is the body’s way of protecting the more sensitive tissues beneath your top layer of skin. If you have an area of skin on your feet that is constantly rubbing against another object such as the side of tight shoes, you may develop a callus there. Over time, a callus can become painful and require removal with the help of a podiatrist. 

Calluses are most common on the underside of your big toe, the ball of the foot, and the heel, but they can appear anywhere that is constantly being pressed against or rubbed. 

A Corn on Your Foot Is Often Found Between Your Toes 

Corns form much like calluses do, because of parts of your feet rubbing together. This is why they are most commonly found between your toes, especially for people who wear narrow-toed shoes on a regular basis. The biggest difference between corns and calluses is that while a callus is generally one thick layer of skin, a corn on your foot has an inner core that may be hard or soft. 

A soft core corn forms when perspiration is trapped between the layers of dying skin, causing a soft center of the thickened area. Soft core corns often look like an open sore, while a hard core corn will be firmer and sometimes have a light yellow ring with a gray center. 

Before you decide on how to take care of a callus or a corn, continue reading to learn about identifying the causes and how to determine the best treatment methods to relieve your foot pain. You can also check out our free eBook: The Foot is Not an Island! Recognizing a Vitamin D Deficiency and How to Correct It

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