A Guide to Hard Skin on the Feet
A Guide to Hard Skin on the Feet
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Hard skin is one of the most common reasons people visit a Podiatrist. While often just a nuisance, these areas of thickened skin are your body’s way of protecting itself from damage. However, when they build up too much, they can become painful and problematic.The technical term for this thickening is Hyperkeratosis. It happens when the outer layer of skin thickens in response to friction or pressure. While protective, excessive thickening can lead to pain, discomfort, and cracking (fissures).The two most common types of hard skin are Corns and Callus.
What is the Difference?
What is the Difference?
Callus is a broader, more diffuse area of rough, yellowish skin. Unlike corns, which are sharp and focused, calluses are spread out and usually form on weight-bearing areas like the heel or the ball of the foot.
Corns are small, well-defined lumps of hard skin that usually form over a bony area, like a toe joint. They are often described as having a hard "core" or center, which can feel like walking on a stone.
The Different Types of Corns
The Different Types of Corns
While they all come from pressure, there are several specific types of corns that Podiatrists treat.Hard Corns (Heloma Durum): These are the most common type. They are small, concentrated areas of hard skin with a deep center. They typically form on the bottom of the foot, tops of the toes, or the side of the little toe where shoes rub.Soft Corns (Heloma Molle): These form between the toes. Because moisture gets trapped there, the skin stays soft and rubbery, often appearing white. They can be very painful and are caused by toes rubbing against each other.Seed Corns (Heloma Milliare): These are tiny corns that can appear alone or in clusters. Unlike other corns, they can form in areas that don't take much weight (like the arch) and are often linked to very dry skin.Vascular and Neurovascular Corns: These are more complex corns that have small blood vessels (vascular) or nerve fibers (neuro) growing into them. They can be extremely sensitive and may bleed easily if cut. These should always be managed by a professional.
At Clinical Touch Podiatry we specialize in managing and getting rid of the pain from corns or callus using professional sterile equipment and evidenced based treatments. Book a Corn / Callus removal or get your nails done too with Standard Podiatry today!
Managing Hard Skin with Foot Creams
Managing Hard Skin with Foot Creams
You can often manage mild hard skin at home. Effective management involves using the right creams to help the dead skin shed.
Choosing the Right Cream
Choosing the Right Cream
Standard moisturizers may not be sufficient for thick calluses. Instead, you should look for creams containing keratolytic agents (like Urea). These work by loosening the bonds between skin cells, allowing the thick, dead skin to shed more easily.10% Urea-based cream: Effective for everyday use to maintain soft skin.25% Urea-based cream: Effective for cracked heels and heavily callused areas.
Effective Application Routine
Effective Application Routine
To get the best results from your foot cream:Soak and Soften: Soak your feet in warm water for 5–10 minutes to soften the thickened skin. Applying cream after a shower or bath is ideal. DO NOT APPLY CREAM BETWEEN YOUR TOES.Trap the Moisture: Apply your urea-based cream immediately after drying your feet, while the skin is still slightly damp. This helps trap moisture into the skin.Hygiene Tips: Dry between your toes thoroughly, this will help prevent Athletes Foot (Tinea Pedis). If using a tub of ointment, use a clean spoon or spatula rather than dipping your fingers in, to avoid spreading bacteria.
**Important Warning: DO NOT APPLY CREAM BETWEEN YOUR TOES. The skin here is already moist; adding cream can lead to fungal infections such as Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot). Always dry thoroughly between your toes after washing.
**Important Warning: DO NOT APPLY CREAM BETWEEN YOUR TOES. The skin here is already moist; adding cream can lead to fungal infections such as Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot). Always dry thoroughly between your toes after washing.
NHS Advice: Do's and Don'ts
NHS Advice: Do's and Don'ts
The NHS recommends simple self-care to prevent hard skin from returning.
Do:Wear comfortable shoes: Look for shoes with a wide toe box, that are comfortable with a low heel and soft sole. Your toes should have room to wiggle.Use cushioning: Soft insoles or protective pads (like silicone sleeves) can stop shoes from rubbing painful areas.Exfoliate gently: Regularly use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove hard skin. Do this little and often rather than trying to remove it all at once.
Don't:NEVER use a blade on yourself: Do not try to slice off corns or callus with a blade. This is dangerous and can lead to serious injury.Avoid "Medicated" Corn Plasters: These often contain strong acids (like salicylic acid) that can burn the healthy skin around the corn, causing wounds.
When to See a Professional
When to See a Professional
While home maintenance is helpful, there are times you must seek professional help.
Diabetes and Poor Circulation If you have diabetes, heart disease, or circulation problems, do not treat corns and calluses yourself. You may have reduced feeling in your feet, meaning you could cut yourself without feeling it, leading to serious complications.Persistent Pain If you have tried home treatments and see no improvement, at Clinical Touch Podiatry we can safely remove the corn or callus and look for the underlying cause.
References
References
National Health Service. (2022, August 24). Corns and calluses. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/corns-and-calluses/
NHS Kernow Referral Management Service. (n.d.). Corns and calluses. https://rms.cornwall.nhs.uk/primary_care_clinical_referral_criteria/rms/primary_care_clinical_referral_criteria/dermatology/corns_and_calluses
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. (n.d.). Podiatry: Corns and callus. https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/patient-information-leaflets/podiatry-corns-callus
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2021, December 6). Footcare advice. https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/community/podiatry/footcare-advice/
Talal Al Aboud, A. M., & Kahwaji, C. I. (2023). Corns. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470374/
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