Podiatrists use the terms corns and callus interchangeably. These terms refer to abnormally thickened skin over an area of pressure or friction. Calluses are often seen over the top of a hammertoe, or at the end of the toe under the nail. Bunions can develop calluses where the shoe rubs against the skin, or on the bottom of the foot. Certain skin conditions can cause an excess amount of callus to form on the foot.
Treatment involves the application of moisturizers with or without keratolytics such as salicylic acid or others. Podiatrists often use surgical blades to remove or debride a callus. Surgical correction of an underlying bone deformity may also improve or even remove a chronic build up of callus