Calluses, Blisters and Corns

What are Calluses, Blisters and Corns?

Calluses, blisters and corns are uncomfortable skin conditions and are fairly common.

All three conditions result due to repeated friction between the skin and another surface. These conditions are easy to prevent and treat. 

• Calluses are areas of dry thickened skin, found on hands and heels. These develop over long periods of repetitive pressure and friction.
• Blisters are a liquid containing bubbles that form on the skin, at the point of friction and pressure. These appear first after friction and lead to calluses if untreated. The liquid can be clear, and in some cases contain pus or blood.
• Corns are also areas of dry thickened skin resulting from pressure but they form near bony projections of the toes or between the toes. 

Who Does Calluses, Blisters and Corns Affect?

Calluses, blisters and corns can affect anyone, regardless of gender and age.

People who are exposed to prolonged pressure more than others such as

• Instrument players,
• Athletes,
• People performing repetitive movements, and
• Those using improperly fitting shoes are more prone to experience these conditions.

How Do Calluses, Blisters and Corns Occur?

Calluses begin with the development of dry thickened skin, due to repeated pressure caused by friction, such as repeated pressure caused by strings of an instrument or by standing for long hours on hard floors, with improper heel support and negligent skin care.

Blisters occur at the same sites at the calluses and happen before callus formation. They are formed due to shorter exposure to friction and rubbing and appear faster than calluses.

Blisters on the foot can form due to wearing improper shoes or not using proper gloves when using tools and performing other repetitive tasks.

Corns are also areas of thickened skin on top or in between the toes that also develops in response to repeated pressure and friction.

Causes Of Calluses, Blisters and Corns?

Calluses, blisters and corns can be caused due to a number of factors and medical disorders. These include:

• Dry skin left,
• Musical instrument players or athletes not using proper grips to ease pressure on specific points,
• Labourers performing work without proper protective gear,
• Occupations where standing for long periods, particularly on hard floors,
• Shoes such as sandals and open back flip flops, which provide little to no support to the fat pad,
• Improper shoes that are too small or too tight, and
• Walking barefoot.

Symptoms of Calluses, Blisters and Corns

The symptoms include:

• Calluses: Visible cracks on the heels or hands that can be painful to put pressure on,
• Blisters: Rounded transparent bubbles seen on the surface of the skin that can be tender, and
• Corns: Complaint of tiny hardened ‘nubs’ or ‘projections’ seen near the toes or in between them.

How are Calluses, Blisters and Corns Diagnosed?

The diagnosis for these skin conditions is made by visual inspection of the hands and feet and taking history to determine their cause.

A doctor may also take a skin sample if he/she suspects an infection or a skin disorder and subsequently order lab tests to rule out any suspected systemic diseases. 

How are Calluses, Blisters and Corns Treated?

The treatment for these skin conditions ranges from

• Prevention,
• Self-treatment, and
• Doctor prescribed medication.

Callus Removal Medication

Medication can be applied using a patch containing 40 percent salicylic acid.

Directions for use are supplied along with other application advice including the use of a pumice stone, nail file or emery board to smooth away dead skin before application. Other versions of salicylic acid are available.

Prevention of Callus, Blisters or Corns can include:

• proper hydration of skin by using skin moisturizer and drinking a lot of liquids,
• using proper work gloves or grips during work and gymnastics respectively, and
• wearing proper shoes and insoles that don’t pinch the feet or cause pain.

Treatment of existing Callus, Blisters or Corns can include the following:

• Calluses: Wearing proper shoes and pads, keeping heels moisturized using skin care lotions and using a gel or liquid bandage prevents further damage and allows for quicker healing period. Using a pumice stone after bathing can remove the dead skin and help in the healing process.
• Blisters: These often heal by themselves, but keeping the area clean and dry by using a bandage is a good idea. It is recommended not to puncture them yourself or put pressure on them.
• Corns: These take the longest to heal. Using proper pads and comfortable fitting shoes can help. Using a pumice stone after bathing can remove the dead skin and help in the healing process.

If these conditions still exist even with self-treatment, a doctor may perform

• Debridement- the medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to improve the healing potential of the remaining healthy tissue
• Heel strapping, and
• Prescription medicine contains higher strengths of urea and salicylic acid.

What If Calluses, Blisters and Corns are Untreated?

If left untreated, calluses can result in cracked heels which can cause severe pain and bleed on walking.

In patients with compromised immune systems or diabetes, it can also result in:

• infection (cellulitis), and
• diabetic foot ulcers which are of serious concern.

Blisters can lead to callus formation if the skin is exposed to further repetitive pressure and friction. Corns can become painful and cause daily discomfort.