Appointments for callus (Tylosis) treatment are available only at the IC Clinic Shinjuku dermatology outpatient clinic.
“How is a callus (tylosis) different from a corn (clavus)?”
“What should I do if I develop a callus?”
If you are struggling with skin conditions affecting your feet or hands, you are not alone.
A callus (tylosis) is a skin condition in which the skin on the feet or hands becomes hard and raised. It is also commonly known as a taco (たこ) in Japanese.
In this article, we explain the causes of calluses as well as available treatment options.
We also discuss the differences between calluses and corns in the latter half of the article, so please read to the end.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is a Callus?
- 2 Why Do Calluses Form? Causes Explained
- 3 Are Calluses Painful? Symptoms Explained
- 4 How Are Calluses Treated?
- 5 What Is the Difference Between a Corn and a Callus?
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions About Calluses
- 6.1 I have a callus, but I have diabetes and my feet are numb so I feel nothing — is it okay to leave it untreated?
- 6.2 Can calluses develop on the fingers?
- 7 For Callus Treatment in Tokyo, Consult IC Clinic
What Is a Callus?
A callus is a hard, thickened area of skin that forms mainly on the soles of the feet.
Also commonly referred to as a taco (たこ) in Japanese, calluses develop when the skin’s outer layer (keratin) thickens in response to external pressure or friction.
Unlike corns, calluses involve only a raised thickening of the skin and are generally not painful.
Why Do Calluses Form? Causes Explained
Calluses are caused by external pressure or friction.
When prolonged pressure is applied to a specific area, the skin’s keratin layer thickens, resulting in a callus.
They most commonly develop when ill-fitting shoes or sandals place repeated stress on a particular part of the foot.
High heels in particular are a significant contributing factor. They force the feet into a cramped position and shift body weight onto the toes, making both calluses and corns more likely to develop.
Wearing high heels over an extended period may also alter the shape of the feet themselves, which can make calluses and corns more prone to forming.
Calluses can also develop due to lifestyle factors such as sports or occupational activities.
Are Calluses Painful? Symptoms Explained
In most cases, calluses are not painful.
Calluses form as the skin’s natural protective response to external pressure, causing the keratin layer to thicken.
Because the thickening occurs over a broad area, discomfort is generally minimal. In some cases, the affected area may actually become less sensitive to stimulation.
Calluses can develop in areas other than the feet as well.
While the feet are the most common site, people who frequently hold a pen may develop a pen callus (ペンだこ), and those who sit in a formal kneeling position (seiza) often develop kneeling calluses (座りだこ), making calluses a condition that can affect various parts of the body.
Although calluses are generally asymptomatic, extreme or repeated friction may cause the keratin to thicken further, sometimes resulting in a burning or uncomfortable sensation.
How Are Calluses Treated?
Treatment options for calluses include the following:
- Softening the hardened keratin using ointments or similar preparations
- Removing the thickened skin using keratolytic agents, scissors, or a scalpel
Calluses develop when persistent pressure on a specific area causes the skin to thicken.
Treatment therefore involves softening the thickened area and allowing it to heal naturally, or removing the affected tissue.
Because calluses tend to recur depending on lifestyle factors, addressing the underlying cause is also important.
When the cause cannot be eliminated, applying ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the skin soft, or using cushioning pads to reduce local pressure, can help relieve irritation to the affected area.
What Is the Difference Between a Corn and a Callus?
A condition similar to a callus is a corn (clavus).
The differences between corns and calluses are as follows:
| Corn (Clavus) | Callus (Tylosis) | |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms | ・Significant pain ・A hard core forms deep in the skin ・The core compresses underlying nerves |
・Skin becomes yellowish ・Skin becomes thick and hard ・Generally painless |
| Common locations | Soles of the feet | Anywhere on the body |
A corn is a skin condition also known as uonome (魚の目) — literally “fish eye” — in Japanese.
Corns and calluses share the same underlying cause: prolonged, localized pressure from external sources.
However, their symptoms differ considerably. In corns, a hard core forms deep within the skin of the foot. When pressure is applied during walking, this core compresses the surrounding nerves and causes significant pain.
Calluses, on the other hand, are generally painless — the skin simply becomes thick and hard.
However, if a callus is left untreated, it may lead to a bacterial infection. If you notice any unusual sensation in your skin, please consult a physician promptly.
The article below provides a detailed explanation of the causes and symptoms of corns.
It also covers treatment options and how to manage severe pain that makes walking difficult, so please use it as a reference.
Corns (Uonome): Causes and Treatment — Differences from Calluses and How to Manage Pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Calluses
Here we answer some frequently asked questions about calluses.
I have a callus, but I have diabetes and my feet are numb so I feel nothing — is it okay to leave it untreated?
Leaving a callus untreated can lead to skin ulceration, so prompt treatment is recommended.
In people with diabetes who also have peripheral neuropathy — a condition causing reduced sensation in the feet — a callus may develop without any noticeable symptoms. However, leaving a hardened callus untreated can damage the tissue beneath the skin and may trigger a skin ulcer.
A skin ulcer is a condition in which skin cells die for some reason, causing part of the skin to break down and become lost. Research has shown that a large proportion of people who develop diabetic foot ulcers had calluses as the underlying cause.
To help prevent skin ulcers from developing, please see a physician promptly if you notice a callus.
Can calluses develop on the fingers?
Calluses can form not only on the feet but also on the fingers.
They develop particularly in areas that come into frequent contact with a pen, and are known as pen calluses (ペンダコ).
Depending on lifestyle factors such as sports or occupation, calluses can develop on a wide range of body parts — not just the feet and hands.
For Callus Treatment in Tokyo, Consult IC Clinic
Calluses are a skin condition that can affect anyone when persistent pressure is applied to a specific area of the body.
However, leaving a callus untreated — even when it causes no pain or discomfort — can in some cases lead to skin tissue loss. For this reason, we recommend consulting a physician even if you have no symptoms.
IC Clinic strives to be a welcoming clinic for patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Whatever your symptoms, we will work with you to recommend a treatment approach that suits your needs and puts you at ease. If you are experiencing calluses on your feet or hands, please do not hesitate to reach out to IC Clinic.
Appointments for callus (Tylosis) treatment are available only at the IC Clinic Shinjuku dermatology outpatient clinic.
