Calluses

A callus is an area of thick hard skin, often yellow in colour and usually oval in shape. It often occurs on the ball of the foot and develops to protect the foot from pressure and friction.

It often won’t be painful but it can cause discomfort or even a burning sensation.

What is a callus?

A callus is an area of thickened hard skin, often found on the ball of the foot. It is often oval in shape and yellow in colour. This oval shape is sometimes referred to as a plaque and it can be quite hard to touch.

What is the difference between thick hard skin and a callus?

The medical term for thick hard skin is callus, so there is no difference between the two. However, while your doctor or podiatrist, may not think there is any difference between thick hard skin and callus, the words might conjure up quite different images in your mind.

When you talk about “thick, hard skin” you are more likely to be referring to skin that covers larger areas across the ball of foot or heel or specific areas on the toes. When you talk about “callus” you are more likely to be referring to a defined plaque, often found on the ball of the foot.

(For more information on thick hard skin see here)