Corns and Calluses

Calluses are areas of rough skin that are thickened by repetitive exposure to friction and pressure. Corns are a pinpoint type of calluses that have a mass of dead skins in their core.

A corn tends to form with a distinct border on the top and side of toes or between toes, or on the soles of feet. Corns can be hard or soft, and painful when pressed. General calluses typically develop without distinct borders on the soles of feet and palms. Calluses are usually hard and painless.

Causes of Corns & Calluses

Corns and calluses develop when our skin tries to protect itself against excessive pressure and friction. Some common causes include:

Poor fitting shoes - too tight or too loose, with high heels or poorly placed seams or stitches.
Poor fitting socks - or wearing shoes without socks.
Continuous pressure - repetitive movements for extended periods, such as frequent standing and using tools, etc.
Bony prominence or structural deformity - such as bunions, flat feet and hammer-toes.

Treatment for Corns & Calluses

The Greater Toronto Area's No.1 Choice in Corn and Callus Treatment

In most cases, corns and calluses can disappear after the source of pressure or friction is removed by changing footwear, using a pumice stone, ect. If the condition persists and become painful or bothersome, don’t hesitate to seek professional treatment. The following are some traditional treatments for corns and calluses.

Trimming

Treatment involves trimming the deep-seated core of a corn away with corn trimmer or removing a thickened callus with scalpel. Don't try trimming the corn or callus yourself because it could make it more painful or lead to a much more troubling infection.

Salicylic Acid Products

After trimming the corns and calluses, applying a patch of salicylic acid creams can help to smooth the dead skin away. However, over-the-counter products like corn plasters can damage the healthy tissue surrounding the corns and calluses if not used properly. They may also not be suitable for patients with diabetes or circulation problems.

Medication

For those with diabetes or poor circulation, you should see your doctor as soon as they develop. Your doctor may suggest an antibiotic medication for you to reduce the risk of infection from your corns or calluses.

Padding Devices

For those with underlying foot problem, treatment for corns and calluses may involve deflecting the pressure or friction away from the affected areas, and preventing corns and calluses from recurring by applying pad devices, such as corn pad and custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics), ect.

Orthopedic Surgery

In rare cases, for those with bone deformity, such as bunion and hammer-toe, an orthopedic surgery may be required to repair the protruding bone in order to ultimately eliminate the callus or corn.

Before	After

Here at Q Esthetics Laser Clinic, we use electrosurgery and LLLT in conjunction with PCA peels to safely and effectively treat corns and calluses. Our medical staff will check your conditions to ensure the right option is carried out for your specific need. Please call one of our three convenient clinics and schedule a complimentary consultation to find out how we can assist you.

Our three laser clinics are located inside MCI The Doctor's Office™, the largest group of medical centres in Canada, providing corn and callus treatment for men and women in Toronto, North York, Mississauga, Scarborough, Thornhill, Vaughan, Etobicoke, Brampton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Newmarket and other surrounding areas of the GTA.