Corns and calluses are not diseases, but rather protective skin responses to chronic friction or pressure. However, they can become problematic or indicate underlying medical issues, especially in people with conditions like diabetes or circulatory disorders.
🧬 Medical Classification:
- Corns and calluses are classified under:
- Hyperkeratosis – thickening of the outer skin layer (stratum corneum)
- ICD-10 Code: L84 – Corns and callosities
🦶 What Happens:
- The skin builds up hard layers (keratin) as a defense mechanism.
- Over time, the thickened areas can:
- Cause pain or discomfort
- Crack and become infected
- Impair walking or hand function
⚠️ When It Becomes a Medical Concern:
- Infection – especially if the skin breaks or ulcers form
- Underlying bone deformities – such as:
- Hammertoes
- Bunions
- Flat feet
- In diabetes – poor circulation and nerve damage can turn corns/calluses into serious wounds
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) – can delay healing, increasing complication risks
🩺 Diagnosis:
- Based on physical examination
- May include foot pressure analysis or X-rays to check for deformities
- Important to rule out warts or foreign body reactions (which can look similar)