Preuss Podiatry treats corns, calluses and athlete’s foot in Louisville, KY and Floyds Knobs, IN. These common skin problems can be painful and stubborn, and our podiatrists can treat them safely in the office.
Calluses and corns
Calluses and corns are thick, hard areas of the skin created by repetitive friction or pressure. While calluses and corns are similar, corns tend to have a central core whereas calluses do not. Both corns and calluses can be very painful and make walking uncomfortable. Treatment of a callus or corn involves debridement, which is when the thickness is reduced with a sharp instrument. This is important in order to reduce pain and further complication. If left untreated, calluses and corns can lead to the formation of a wound.
Corns and calluses keep coming back when the pressure that causes them stays. Your podiatrist will look for the cause, such as a bunion, a hammertoe or how your foot strikes the ground, and may recommend padding, better shoes or custom orthotics. If you have diabetes, never cut corns or calluses yourself.
Athlete’s foot
Itchy, red, dry, and scaly skin on the feet can be caused by athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal foot infection of the skin caused by warm, moist environments like our socks and shoes. Our foot and ankle specialists will prescribe the proper topical or oral medication in order to remedy the fungal foot infection and give tips for further prevention of athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails and cause toenail fungus. See our Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment page.
Plantar warts
Plantar warts are painful skin growths on the bottom of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus. They can look like corns or calluses. Learn more about plantar wart removal.
Tips to keep your skin healthy
- Wash and dry your feet daily, especially between the toes.
- Change socks often, and choose socks that pull moisture away from the skin.
- Wear sandals in public showers, pools and locker rooms.
- Wear shoes that fit and don’t rub.
Schedule an appointment
Call one of our Louisville, KY locations or our Floyds Knobs, IN location to schedule an appointment with our podiatrists!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cut a corn or callus myself?
No. Cutting them at home can cause a wound or infection, especially if you have diabetes. Let us treat them safely in the office.
Do corns and calluses go away?
They can come back if the pressure causing them is not fixed. We treat the corn or callus and the cause.
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Yes. It spreads through damp floors and shared towels or shoes.
