Patient education: Corns and calluses (The Basics)

What are corns and calluses? — Corns and calluses are areas of thick, hard skin, usually on the hands or feet. They can form when something rubs or presses on the skin over time.

Corns usually affect the bottoms of the feet and sides of the toes (picture 1). A corn looks like a small bump, and has a hard center surrounded by an area of irritated skin. Corns are often painful.

Calluses often form on the hands, fingers, feet, or toes (picture 2). They look like thick, rough, sometimes bumpy skin. Calluses usually do not hurt.

What causes corns and calluses? — Corns and calluses can result from:

●Wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose

●Wearing shoes without socks

●Walking around barefoot

●Using tools (like a hammer or rake) or sports equipment (like a tennis racket) that can rub against the skin

If you have other problems with your feet, you might be more likely to get corns or calluses. For example, if you have a bunion (a bony bump at the base of your big toe), your shoes can rub against it. This can cause a corn or callus.

Is there a test for corns and calluses? — No. But your doctor or nurse can tell if you have a corn or callus by looking at your skin. If they think that your corns or calluses are caused by problems with the bones in your feet, you might need an X-ray.

Is there anything I can do on my own to get rid of corns and calluses? — Yes. To help corns and calluses heal, and prevent new ones, you can:

●Wear shoes and socks that fit properly. Tight shoes or shoes with high heels can cause corns and calluses.

●Avoid going barefoot, or wearing shoes without socks.

●Use special pads inside your shoes to prevent rubbing.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Maybe. If you think that you have a corn or a callus and it is causing pain, see a doctor or nurse. They can check to see if you have a corn, callus, or something else (like a wart), and whether it needs treatment.

How are corns and calluses treated? — If you have a corn or callus that causes pain or won't heal on its own, your doctor can treat it. Treatment usually involves removing the top layers of skin on the corn or callus, and then applying a patch with medicine in it. The patch softens the skin, so that more can be removed. After wearing the patch for 2 to 3 days, the doctor can trim the skin again and replace the patch. This process can be repeated until the corn or callus is gone.

If you would like to treat yourself, you can buy the patches with medicine in them without a prescription (sample brand names: Curad Mediplast, Dr. Scholl's Callus Removers). Then, your doctor can teach you how and when to change the patch yourself. But do not use this treatment if you have diabetes or other conditions that can affect the nerves in the feet.

If your corns or calluses are severe or keep coming back, your doctor might refer you to a foot doctor, called a "podiatrist." A podiatrist can fit you with a special shoe insert (called an "orthotic") to help protect and cushion your feet.

Can corns and calluses be prevented? — Sometimes. You are less likely to get corns or calluses if you avoid shoes that squeeze or rub against your feet or toes. You can also wear gloves to protect your hands when using tools that might rub on your skin (such as while gardening).

More on this topic

Patient education: Bunion (The Basics)
Patient education: Skin warts (The Basics)