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Warning-sign checks

Calluses and corns: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care if rapidly spreading redness occurs with fever, confusion, faintness, rapid breathing, or severe illness.

    Black or blue tissue, a cold foot, or sudden severe foot pain also requires emergency assessment because these signs can indicate critically reduced blood flow or serious tissue injury.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical care for:

    • An open sore, blister, or bleeding beneath the thick skin
    • Pus, bad-smelling drainage, increasing warmth, or swelling
    • Redness that is spreading
    • New numbness or a clear change in skin color
    • Increasing pain, especially in a person with diabetes or poor circulation
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical or podiatry care if a callus or corn is painful, keeps returning, interferes with walking, or does not improve after pressure is reduced.

    Evaluation is also appropriate if you are unsure whether the area is a corn, callus, wart, or another skin condition.

    If a clinician trims the area or recommends an insert, follow-up may be needed to see whether pressure has been adequately relieved.

The article also says

People with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, neuropathy, previous foot ulcers, or a weakened immune system should seek professional advice early rather than attempting to cut, file, or chemically remove thick skin.

Regular foot checks may be recommended based on the person's overall risk.

Check the area after changing footwear or using padding.

Improvement should include less pressure, less tenderness, and no new skin breakdown.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Calluses and corns. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.