From the Guidelines
An inner toe callus is medically referred to as a heloma molle, also known as a soft corn. This type of callus specifically forms between the toes, most commonly between the fourth and fifth toes, where moisture from sweat causes the thickened skin to remain soft rather than hardened. Heloma molles develop due to friction and pressure between adjacent toes, often caused by tight footwear or toe deformities that create abnormal contact points. Some key points to consider in the management and prevention of heloma molle include:
- Using toe separators or lamb's wool padding to reduce friction between the toes 1
- Wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate toe room to prevent pressure and friction on the toes 1
- Keeping the area between the toes dry to prevent moisture from exacerbating the condition
- For painful or persistent soft corns, a healthcare provider might recommend salicylic acid products to gradually dissolve the thickened skin, or in some cases, perform debridement (careful removal of the callused tissue) 1. Unlike regular calluses that form on weight-bearing areas and become hard, soft corns remain moist and tender due to their location in the warm, damp environment between toes, which is why they often cause more discomfort than their hardened counterparts. It's worth noting that while the provided evidence does not directly address the term for an inner toe callus, the most recent and highest quality study, 1, provides guidance on the management of foot care, which is relevant to the prevention and treatment of heloma molle.
From the Research
Inner Toe Callus Term
The term for an inner toe callus is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, some relevant information can be found:
- A callus (tyloma) is considered a diffuse thickening of the skin, whereas a corn, also known as a clavus, heloma durum, or intractable plantar hyperkeratosis (IPK), is a more focal, circumscribed hyperkeratotic lesion with a central conical core of keratin 2.
- Hyperkeratosis is a hypertrophic thickening of the skin, which can lead to the formation of calluses or corns 2.
- Intractable plantar keratosis is a common concern in the podiatric medical office, and different treatment options are available, ranging from trimming and padding to surgery 3, 4, 5.
Possible Related Terms
Some possible related terms for an inner toe callus include: