Corns and calluses are painful areas of thickened skin. They are caused by persistent friction and pressure on the skin. Corns form on the feet and hands as a result of bone pressure against the skin. Calluses can form anywhere on your body where there is friction. 

Thanks to this article, you'll learn how to differentiate corns and calluses.

How Each One Looks 

The two main things to look for when determining the difference between a corn and a callus are:

• Location on the body: Corns are most commonly found on the feet, but calluses can occur anywhere on the body where there is friction.
• A central plug: Corns have central plugs or cores (tighter skin knots in the very center of the corn).

A foot corn (clavus) is usually embedded deeper into the skin than a callus. They are typically pea-sized or slightly larger, with a central plug or core skin formation in the center. This can appear as a light-colored spot in the center surrounded by yellowish dead skin.

Corn can be painful and difficult to remove. They are most commonly found on the sides of the feet, between the toes, and on top of the toes. 

Calluses lack a central plug or focal point. On the other hand, they have a more even appearance than foot corns. Skin that has thickened may be flaky and dry.

Calluses can form on your feet, most commonly on the heels (where your shoe may rub). They can also form on the hands if you work in a profession that requires repetitive rubbing motions, such as musicians or mechanics.

Inflamed Corns or Calluses

Severe calluses can become irritated and inflamed, causing pain and a pulsating or burning sensation. Both corns and calluses can cause localized redness. This may make distinguishing between the two difficult.

Why Do They Form?

Corns and calluses develop to protect the skin beneath from pressure and friction. Foot corns are frequently caused by wearing shoes or other footwear that are too tight, causing pressure and friction from the bones to the skin. They can also develop in people who have arthritis. People who smoke have painful corns on the bottom of their feet.

Pressure and friction can also cause calluses to form. For example, someone who strums the guitar regularly may develop calluses on their fingertips.

Corn vs. Callus Removal

Numerous callus and corn removal home remedies can be used to treat them at home. However, if you have arthritis or diabetes and notice a foot corn, consult your doctor or update them at your next appointment.

Also, if you’ve tried everything you could find on the internet to get rid of your corns and calluses, contact your healthcare provider or podiatrist so they can help you and remove the problem surgically.

Will They Go Away?

If you discontinue the activity causing the callus or corn to form, it may disappear on its own. If the source of friction remains, such as wearing the same shoes or strumming the guitar without creme to soften the skin and remove the callus, the corn or callus will not disappear on its own. The condition may worsen if not treated. If you smoke, quitting may aid in the resolution of the corn.

Summary 

Calluses and corns are similar in that they are both thickenings of the skin caused by friction. Corns differ from calluses in that they are deeper into the skin and only occur on the feet, and they also have a central plug.

If the underlying cause is removed, calluses and corns will heal on their own. Both can be treated at home by softening and daily moisturizing the skin. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and proper treatment.