Corns and Calluses Treatment Care

What You Need To Know

Understanding corns and calluses, why they form, and when to see a podiatrist.

Understanding Corns and Calluses

If your skin experiences pressure or friction on a regular basis, you might develop a corn or callus. Corns and calluses can develop anywhere on your body, but they are especially common on your feet and toes, usually as a result of wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes or socks.

A corn is a small circular thickened lesion with a central core of hard material, usually formed by repeated pressure such as the rubbing of a shoe. Corns are smaller than calluses and typically develop on non-weight-bearing areas like the sides or tops of your toes. A callus is a thickened area of skin caused by repeated rubbing, often forming on the heels, balls, or soles of your feet. Calluses are usually larger than corns and are not always painful.

Telltale signs include a thick, raised area of skin, a hardened or rough bump, tenderness or pain, and waxy or dry skin. Over time, a corn or callus might start flaking or shedding layers of skin.

These lesions may develop due to bunions, hammertoes, rheumatoid arthritis, flatfeet, bone spurs, or pressure caused by an abnormal gait. If a corn or callus becomes inflamed or painful to the touch, make an appointment with our team so we can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate care.

Treatment and Prevention Options

Our providers use conservative treatments to address corns and calluses. Following an exam and discussion of your symptoms, your doctor might recommend trimming away your excess skin or using shoe inserts. If necessary, your doctor might also prescribe a callus-removing medication. If you develop recurring calluses or corns, surgical intervention may be necessary to better align the bone that is causing friction.

It is important to avoid trying to remove a corn at home or using medicated corn pads, as serious infection may occur. People who have calluses are also cautioned against performing bathroom surgery, as this can lead to cuts and infection. If the underlying cause is not treated or removed, the corn or callus may return.

Many times, eliminating the source of friction is enough to ease your symptoms. Wearing roomier shoes may prevent pain and allow your skin to heal. Our podiatrists regularly work with patients to alleviate the source of friction and prevent further corns and calluses from developing.

To help prevent friction problems, make sure your shoes fit properly, avoid overexertion, and keep your feet dry. If a part of your foot tends to develop problems during a certain activity, try taping or padding the area beforehand. If corns or calluses are keeping you from your favorite activities, our team is ready to help you find lasting relief.