Here’s Why “Bathroom Surgery” is Dangerous For Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are common and not usually cause for alarm. Still, you may want to do away with them if they cause bothersome symptoms or make you feel self-conscious.

If you’re considering “bathroom surgery” to remove a corn or callus at home, however, think again — doing so poses a range of risks.

At Babak Kosari, DPM, in Northridge and Santa Clarita, California, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Babak Kosari, DPM, FACFAS, safely removes corns and calluses. Dr. Kosari can also recommend noninvasive treatment to ease your symptoms.

Take a few moments to learn more about corns and calluses, from the dangers of cutting them off yourself to wiser alternatives.

How corns and calluses form

Calluses and corns are basically thick, dense areas of skin that usually appear on your hands or feet. They form in response to frequent friction, rubbing, or pressure over a long period of time. 

While calluses develop as full skin layers, such as across the bottom of your foot, corns are small, round lumps that usually stem from narrow, tight-fitting shoes or from abnormal bone positioning, such as those involved in bunions and hammertoes.

Why you shouldn’t remove corns and calluses yourself

Performing “bathroom surgery” on your corns or calluses may seem convenient and simple, but the potential complications of doing so are anything but. Cutting a corn or callus yourself can lead to:

• Bacterial infection
• Bleeding 
• Deep wounds 
• Increased pain 
• Ingrown toenails 
• Mobility issues

These risks are more pronounced if you have a chronic disease, such as diabetes, that affects your nerves or immune system. Self-performed corn or callus “surgery” in these cases could result in slow-healing wounds called ulcers, nerve damage, and in severe cases, amputation.

Safe corn and callus treatments

To minimize your corn or callus, Dr. Kosari may recommend soaking the skin in warm water at home for five to 10 minutes. This brief soak helps soften it so you can gently file it down with an emery board or pumice stone. Too much filing, though, can lead to bleeding and infection. 

Conservative treatments for corn and callus discomfort include using corn pads, wearing supportive shoes that fit well, and applying a cold pack for 10-20 minutes at a time.

If a structural deformity leads to repeated corns and calluses, Dr. Kosari may suggest surgery. In addition to removing the excess skin, he may need to realign bone tissue to prevent further problems. Surgery can also resolve intense foot pain, walking challenges, and other severe symptoms.

Expert care for corns and calluses

Eager to put an end to your corn or callus concerns? Call your nearest Babak Kosari, DPM, office in Northridge or Santa Clarita, California, today, or use our easy online scheduler to book an appointment at your convenience.