Corns and calluses resulting from mechanical hyperkeratosis.

The formation of corns and calluses can be caused by mechanical stresses from faulty footgear (the wearing of poorly fitting shoes), abnormal foot mechanics (deformity of the foot exerting abnormal pressure), and high levels of activity. Corns and calluses result from hyperkeratosis, a normal physiologic response of the skin to chronic excessive pressure or friction. Treatment should provide symptomatic relief and alleviate the underlying mechanical cause. The lesions will usually disappear following the removal of the causative mechanical forces. Most lesions can be managed conservatively by the use of properly fitting shoes and padding to redistribute mechanical forces. Surgery is only indicated if conservative measures fail and should be aimed at correcting the abnormal mechanical stresses.