Callosity Health Dictionary

A corn is a localised thickening of the cuticle or epidermis (see SKIN) affecting the foot. The thickening is of a conical shape; the point of the cone is directed inwards and is known as the ‘eye’ of the corn. A general thickening over a wider area is called a callosity. Bunion is a condition found over the joint at the base of the big toe, in which not only is there thickening of the skin, but the head of the metatarsal bone also becomes prominent. Hammer-toe is a condition of the second toe, often caused by short boots, in which the toe becomes bent at its two joints in such a way as to resemble a hammer.

Corns and bunions are caused by badly ?tting shoes, hence the importance of children and adults wearing properly ?tted footwear. Corns can be pared after softening in warm water, or painted with salicylic acid collodion or other proprietary preparations. Bad corns may need treatment by a chiropodist (see CHIROPODY). Bunions may require surgical treatment. Regular foot care is important in patients with DIABETES MELLITUS.... corns and bunions

The condition in which it is not possible to extend the terminal part of the toe. It is usually due to muscular imbalance but may be caused by congenital absence of the extensor muscle. A callosity (see CALLOSITIES) often forms on the toe, which may be painful. Should this be troublesome, treatment consists of removal of the terminal phalanx.... mallet toe

Collagen is the essential component of fibrous tissue. A protein in the form of fine fibrils bound together by molecular crosslinks, it is the substance that holds body tissues together, present in quantity in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, in interstitial tissue generally and in bone. It is formed by fibroblasts and is laid down by them in the process of wound repair after injury forming a scar. When weak or inadequate it stretches and tissues sag. In bone repair, with the aid of Vitamin C, collagen forms a callus in which new bone develops. In parts where circulation is poor or areas subjected to repeated trauma excess collagen may accumulate as a corn or callosity. (John Cosh MD., FRCP)

For deficiency states, including the “old before your time” look, and to promote repair of wounds: Bamboo gum, Carragheen Moss, Comfrey, Fenugreek, Horsetail, Marshmallow, Quince seeds, Slippery Elm, Wild Yam.

Diet. See: GENERAL DIET. Oily fish: see entry.

Supplementation. Vitamin C (1 gram thrice daily). Calcium, Zinc. ... collagen

n. 1. the composite mass of tissue that forms between bone ends when a fracture is healing. It initially consists of blood clot and *granulation tissue, which develops into cartilage and then calcifies to form bone. Callus formation is an essential part of the process of healthy union in a fractured bone. 2. see callosity.... callus

n. an area of hard thickened skin on or between the toes or elsewhere on the foot: a type of *callosity produced by ill-fitting shoes. The horny skin layers form an inverted pyramid that presses down into the deeper skin layers, causing pain. A corn may be treated by applying salicylic acid or by podiatry.... corn