Callus/corn Flashcards
What are Corns/Callus
Callus:
* is a yellowish plaque of hard skin caused by mechanical stress which causes hyperkeratosis or a thickening of the stratum corneum
Mechanical pressure to the area becomes to much irritating the deeper tissue triggering an increased turnover of epidermal cells from the basal layer
So affectivley an increased rate of keratinisation and a decreased rate of desqumation so the squamous cells dont slough off from the surface and that leads to a thickening of the stratum corneum
Corn:
* Is an inverted cone of hyperkeratinised tissue that pushes back into the skin
* also caused by mechanical stress e.g shear, friction, compression torsion.
What is the Aetiology of Callus 3
Predisposing factors:
* biomechanical issues so any toe or foot deformities causing excessive pressure
* loss of fibro fatty padding over boney prominences (rheumatoid arthrits patients)
Contributing factors:
* occlusive footwear
What are the different typs of corns
Helloma durum (hard corn):
* commonly over boney prominences
* dark yellowish
* mistaken for verrucae or foreign body
Helloma Millarie (Seed Corn):
* Single clusters of small corns
* Found on weight bearing areas
Helloma Molle (Soft Corn)
* Interdigital
* white soggy mass
Vascular Corn
* painful upon direct pressure most namely torsion
vascular elements intertwined in the tissue
What are the management/advice options for corn/callus
So provide symptomatic relief either through Enucleation of the corn or removal of the callus through sharps debridement
Short term:
re- distribute pressure using padding
Long term:
some form of orthotic device
Address any biomechanical issues which may be causing un neccesary mechanical stress so does the pateint have any toe or foot deformities causing excessive pressure
Address any issues regarding the patients footwear advise patient to wear a low heeled shoe with roomy toebox
Topical solutions to reduce hardness or bulk
