• Warts — Also known as verrucae or papillomas can be caught by touching an infected site on a person.  They are commonly picked up from public showers and swimming pools.  The diagnosis can be made by shaving down the thickened skin and looking for tiny blood vessels at the base and a lack of normal skin ridges (as in a fingerprint), the hallmarks of a plantar wart.

Treatment

If your corns and calluses are painful, your podiatrist at Entire podiatry may shave away some of the thickened skin to relieve pain and pressure in the affected area. Although many people can attempt to do this themselves, podiatrists can make sure the procedure is done safely.  Your podiatrist also may recommend that you modify your footwear to prevent your problem from returning.  For example, silicon protectors or pads will cushion the affected area.  Corrective shoe inserts will redistribute the forces that cause friction and pressure inside your shoes, relieving some of the stress on your feet when you walk.

Your podiatrist may ask you to return regularly to have your feet examined and your corns and calluses shaved, if necessary.

In rare cases, foot surgery may be necessary to treat corns and calluses that keep returning and are not relieved by padding, shoe inserts and periodic shaving. Never try to shave or cut a corn or callus on your own, especially people with diabetes or poor circulation.