Corns and Calluses: What You Need to Know

What Are Corns and Calluses?

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure, often caused by ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or foot deformities. While both involve hardened layers of skin, corns tend to be smaller and more localized, often around toes. Calluses, on the other hand, cover larger areas like the soles.

There are several types of corns, including soft corns, hard corns, and seed corns. Soft corns usually form between the toes and feel rubbery, whereas hard corns (or seed corns) are deeper, more compact, and can be painful.

What Do Corns and Calluses Look Like?

The different types of corns and calluses have unique features according to their type:

• Calluses appear as rough, thick areas with hardened skin on the soles, heels, or edges of your feet.
• Hard corns are small, concentrated disks of tough skin often surrounded by inflamed tissue.
• Soft corns are whitish, rubbery, and typically found between toes.
• Seed corns look like small clusters, sometimes as tiny as a sharp object embedded in the skin.

You may also notice dead skin peeling off or slightly swollen tissue around the site, especially if there’s persistent irritation or rubbing.

What Causes Corns and Calluses?

Understanding the causes can help you prevent them in the first place:

• Repeated pressure or friction from ill-fitting shoes, high-heeled shoes, or tight socks rubbing against your soles or toes.
• Foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes cause bone pressure on the skin.
• Wearing shoes for long periods without socks.

What Are the Complications of Having Corns and Calluses?

While most corns and calluses are benign, they can pose risks:

• Painful walking or standing due to pressure from the hardened skin.
• The skin can break down, causing open sores, increasing the risk of infection. This is especially concerning in people with poor circulation or diabetes.

How Are Corns and Calluses Diagnosed?

Your podiatrist or orthopedic specialist will:

1. Perform a physical exam to diagnose corns or calluses by observing the appearance and location.
2. Ask about your shoes, lifestyle, socks, and foot care habits.
3. Check for medical conditions like diabetes, neuropathy, or circulation issues.
4. Rule out other causes like warts, fungal infections, or plantar fibroma.
5. Sometimes, use tools like an emery board or pumice stone for gentle removal to observe the underlying skin.

How Do I Remove Corns and Calluses?

Home Remedies

The following home remedies can be used to remove the layers of calluses and corns:

• Soak your feet in warm water or soapy water to soften dead skin.
• Use a pumice stone or emery board to gently rub away layers of thickened skin.
• Apply over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid or ammonium lactate to break down hardened layers (Use with care as these harsh chemicals can injure healthy skin).
• Use a protective pad or lamb’s wool between toes to reduce friction.
• Always keep toenails trimmed, and wear clean socks and properly fit shoes.
• Moisturize daily to keep skin soft, especially after bathing.

You should never try using a sharp instrument to slice or cut a corn or callus.

Professional Treatment

If you would like help beyond home care treatments, then you may benefit from the following:

• At our practice in Granville and Coshocton, we offer debridement to remove corns or calluses safely and comfortably.
• We may recommend custom orthotics or footwear adjustments to alleviate bone pressure and correct gait issues.
• For serious cases or underlying medical conditions, we provide specialized care as needed.

Can Corns and Calluses Be Prevented?

The following preventive measures can help prevent the painful buildup of corns and calluses:

• Always wear shoes that fit properly, with enough room in the toe box and support in the sole.
• Use breathable socks and change them daily to keep moisture low.
• Avoid long hours in high-heeled shoes.
• Use protective padding or lamb’s wool on problem areas.
• Keep feet clean and moisturized to prevent hard skin.
• Schedule routine podiatry visits for early detection, especially if you have risk factors like diabetes, poor circulation, or foot deformities.
• Don’t ignore early signs of discomfort. Address them promptly by adjusting shoes or using home remedies.

Ready to Treat and Prevent Corns and Calluses?

Corns and calluses may seem minor, but without proper care, they can lead to significant pain and complications—especially for those with poor blood circulation, diabetes, or foot deformities. Whether you’re dealing with soft corns, hard corns, or stubborn calluses, early diagnosis and treatment make all the difference.

At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine in Granville and Coshocton, we offer compassionate, comprehensive foot care to help patients stay active and pain‑free. Contact one of our offices today to schedule an appointment.

Medically reviewed by Tung Dao, DPM, MS