Corns, Calluses and Skin Issues
Expert Assessment & Treatment in Prestonpans, East Lothian
Skin Problems on the Feet Are Common — and Often Preventable
The skin on your feet works harder than anywhere else on your body. It absorbs pressure, friction, moisture, and heat every day — often inside shoes that restrict airflow and movement.
Over time, this can lead to a wide range of skin problems, from painful corns and cracked heels to infections and inflammatory skin conditions.
At Adam Smith Podiatry & Sports Clinic, we treat foot skin problems as a medical issue, not a cosmetic one — identifying the cause, relieving discomfort, and preventing recurrence wherever possible.
Common Skin Problems We Treat
Corns
Corns are localised areas of hard skin that form in response to repeated pressure or friction.
They often develop:
- On toes or between toes
- Over prominent joints
- Under the ball of the foot
Corns can become:
- Very painful
- Inflamed or infected
- Difficult to manage at home
Simply removing a corn does not always stop it returning — addressing the underlying pressure is key.
Callus (Hard Skin)
Callus is a broader area of thickened skin, commonly found:
- On the heels
- Under the ball of the foot
- Along the edges of the foot
Callus forms as a protective response to pressure, but when excessive it can:
- Crack or split
- Cause pain when walking
- Increase the risk of infection
- Affect balance and comfort
Regular podiatry care helps control callus safely and comfortably.
Heel Fissures and Cracked Heels
Cracked heels occur when dry, thickened skin splits under pressure.
They may:
- Be painful
- Bleed
- Become infected
- Make walking uncomfortable
Heel fissures are more common in:
- People with dry skin
- Those who stand for long periods
- People wearing open-backed footwear
- Patients with diabetes or circulatory issues
Treatment focuses on safe skin reduction, hydration, and prevention.
Athlete’s Foot (Fungal Skin Infection)
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin, commonly affecting:
- The spaces between toes
- The soles of the feet
Symptoms may include:
- Itching or burning
- Redness
- Peeling or cracking skin
- Persistent moisture
Without proper treatment, fungal infections can spread or recur. Accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate antifungal treatment is used — not just guesswork.
Fungal Skin Infections (Beyond Athlete’s Foot)
Fungal infections can also affect:
- Soles
- Sides of the feet
- Around nails
These infections often coexist with fungal nails and may require combined treatment to fully resolve.
Sweaty Feet (Hyperhidrosis)
Excessive sweating of the feet can:
- Cause discomfort and odour
- Increase risk of fungal and bacterial infections
- Lead to skin breakdown
Sweaty feet are common in children, teenagers, and adults — particularly those who are active or wear enclosed footwear for long periods.
Management includes:
- Skin care advice
- Footwear and sock guidance
- Targeted treatments to reduce moisture
Skin Infections
Bacterial skin infections can develop when the skin barrier is compromised — for example through:
- Cracks
- Corns
- Callus
- Ingrown nails
Prompt podiatry assessment helps:
- Prevent infection spreading
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Protect overall foot health
Eczema and Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Some people experience eczema or dermatitis affecting the feet, which may cause:
- Redness
- Itching
- Cracking
- Dry, flaky skin
These conditions often require careful management, including:
- Avoiding irritants
- Supporting the skin barrier
- Appropriate referral if needed
Accurate assessment ensures the correct condition is being treated — fungal infections and eczema can look similar but require very different approaches.
Skin Problems Across All Ages
Children and Teenagers
- Athlete’s foot and sweating are common
- Skin problems can affect confidence
- Early treatment prevents spread and discomfort
Adults
- Work and footwear contribute to pressure and skin breakdown
- Sports increase friction and moisture
- Long-standing callus and corns often recur without treatment
Older Adults
- Skin becomes thinner and drier
- Cracks and infections are more serious
- Regular podiatry care helps maintain comfort and independence
How We Treat Corns, Callus and Skin Problems
Regular Podiatry (Maintenance Care)
For many patients, ongoing podiatry appointments are the cornerstone of skin health.
These include:
- Safe reduction of corns and callus
- Management of cracked heels
- Monitoring skin integrity
- Advice on footwear and skin care
- Prevention of infection
Maintenance care is especially important for those who cannot safely manage skin themselves.
Curacorn® for Recurrent Corns
When a corn keeps returning in the same place, Curacorn® may be an option.
This treatment:
- Targets pressure beneath the skin
- Aims to reduce recurrence
- Offers longer-term relief in suitable cases
It is particularly useful when conservative care alone hasn’t solved the problem.
Targeted Skin Treatments
We also provide:
- Antifungal treatment plans
- Advice on moisture control
- Management of inflammatory skin conditions
- Referral or escalation where required
Preventing Skin Problems from Returning
Long-term skin health depends on:
- Reducing pressure
- Managing moisture
- Wearing appropriate footwear
- Maintaining regular care
Where appropriate, we may also recommend:
- Orthotics
- Footwear changes
- Rehabilitation or gait assessment
Common Questions
Are corns and callus just cosmetic?
No — they can cause significant pain, affect balance, and increase infection risk.
Can I treat skin problems at home?
Some mild issues can be managed at home, but many require professional care to avoid injury.
Do skin problems always come back?
Not always — identifying and addressing the cause greatly reduces recurrence.
Is podiatry safe for sensitive skin?
Yes — treatment is tailored carefully to skin condition and health.
Why Choose Adam Smith Podiatry and Sports Clinic?
At our Prestonpans clinic, toenail care is:
- Thorough and unhurried
- Suitable for all ages
- Focused on comfort and function
- Honest about expectations
- Integrated with long-term foot health
Caring for patients from Prestonpans, East Lothian, Musselburgh, Tranent, Haddington, and Edinburgh.
Healthy Skin Makes Walking Comfortable
Foot skin problems don’t have to be accepted as “normal”. With the right care, most can be managed effectively and comfortably.
Book a skin assessment today and let us help restore comfort, confidence, and healthy feet.
