corns and calluses

corns and calluses thickenings of the outer layer of skin where there is irritation or constant pressure. Corns are cone-shaped with their points protruding into the dermis, or inner layer of skin. They usually have hard, shiny surfaces surrounded by red, painful areas. Soft-surfaced corns sometimes develop between overlapping toes where there is an accumulation of moisture. Treatment of corns is directed at the relief of irritation or pressure, e.g., wearing properly fitted shoes; they can also be softened by pastes and ointments or removed by a physician. Calluses typically involve only the outermost layers of skin and are not usually painful; they tend to disappear once the source of irritation has been removed. See bunion .

corn (korn) n. an area of hard thickened skin on or between the toes: a type of callosity produced by ill-fitting shoes.

callus (kal-ŭs) n.
1. the composite mass of tissue that forms between bone ends when a fracture is healing. It initially consists of blood clot and granulation tissue, which develops into cartilage and eventually new bone, which unites the fracture.

2. see callosity.