Skin Conditions

Skin Conditions that affect the feet can include:

Corns

Corns are cone-shaped thickenings of the skin that develop due to friction/shearing and pressure. Primary causes are tight-fitting shoes, high heeled shoes, or abnormal foot motion during walking.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF CORNS

Hard Corns

Hard corns have a nucleus (cone shaped centre or root) whose tip or point can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Hard corns are most often found on the baby toe or on top of toes.

Symptoms:

  • Pain is usually directly associated with pressure from footwear or from the walking surface

  • Pain can be relieved by removing footwear

Soft Corns

Soft corns usually seen as areas of white moist skin between the toes. Develop as a result of a bony bump (most often between the 4th and 5th toes) pressing against an adjacent toe.

Symptoms:

  • May not be painful at first but may develop into open sores that are very painful

  • May initially look like athlete’s foot

Calluses

Calluses are areas of localized thickening of skin which develop in response to repeated friction and pressure.

Symptoms:

  • Pain due to patches of thick, hard skin over an area of high pressure under the foot

  • Most often seen on the ball and heel of the foot

Pedorthic treatment may include custom-made orthotics, proper footwear, footwear modification, and toe spacers or padding. If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, you should talk to your doctor or book an appointment with a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. Click here to find a Pedorthist near you.