Corns, Calluses & Warts

What It Is

Corns and Calluses are formed by localized pressure and constant friction of the skin on our hands and feet. The hands and feet then respond to the pressure by hardening and roughing the skin as a way to protect itself. This skin pressure causes decreased blood circulation in the skin, which results in the formation of corns. Corns are tender, round formations of dead skin cells with a painful central core. They are most commonly caused by ill-fitting footwear and are typically developed on areas of the body where the skin is thin. You may feel direct pain from a corn when you walk or stand.

Calluses are similar to corns, but calluses do not have a painful center core that are characteristic of a corn. Calluses are made up of thickened skin that is less sensitive to the touch than the skin that surrounds it. They form where weight is beared down on the foot while walking or at points where footwear does not fit well and creates friction.

Warts appear as a small, rough tumor, and need immediate treatment that can appear all over the body. They look similar to corns and calluses but are different because they have a blood supply that corns and calluses lack. The formation of warts are not related to friction and are a skin condition that is caused by a strain of virus within the human papillomavirus (HPV) family  that can enter the body through breaks or openings in the skin, or other direct body contact with the virus. While corns and calluses are not infectious, warts are contagious and should be treated as quickly as possible.

How It’s Treated

Laser Treatments

• CO2 Laser – The CO2 Laser works by heating up, destroying and vaporizing the excess layers of skin associated with corns, calluses, and warts. Healthy tissue remains intact and is left undamaged, leaving behind smooth, healthy skin.