Callus and corns

What are callus and corns?

Callus and corns are areas of hardened and thickened skin that usually develop over a joint or bony area of the foot. Corns are a compacted area of hardened skin and tend to be smaller and deeper than callus.

What causes callus and corns?

  • Callus and corns develop on particular areas of the foot as a result of friction or pressure
  • Tight or poor fitting footwear can contribute to or cause callus and corns, particularly around and in between the toes, and on the balls of the feet
  • High heeled shoes place more pressure on the balls of the feet
  • Shoes with poor cushioning or shock-absorbing soles can increase friction
  • The way in which you walk can cause callus and corns to develop in areas of the feet that are not designed to withstand the pressure (see Biomechanics and orthotics)
  • Joint problems such as bunions and toe deformities (see Bunions and toe deformities)
  • Spending long periods of time on your feet, standing, walking or running
  • Previous foot surgery may have left some areas of the feet exposed to increased pressure
  • Increased moisture between the toes can cause soft corns

What are the signs & symptoms of callus and corns?

It is common to experience one or more of these signs and symptoms with callus and corns -
  • Both callus and corns can become very painful and tender
  • Callus forms patches of thickened, glassy skin sometimes yellow in appearance that is hard and tough when touched
  • Corns are smaller, compacted, raised areas of skin (hard corns)
  • Soft corns can develop in between the toes due to increased moisture in that area. They are usually white and soft in appearance
  • Vascular and neurovascular corns are areas of hard skin that have small blood vessels and nerve endings involved within the base of the corn. They develop when the corn is longstanding, is subject to a lot of friction or has been frequently cut. They are usually very painful
  • Seed corns are smaller than other corns and tend to develop in clusters anywhere on the sole of the foot. They are not always painful and tend to be associated with dry skin
  • Corns and callus can be found together, quite often a corn can be found underneath a particularly tender patch of callus
  • In some situations, a corn can become infected. The area surrounding the corn will be red, inflamed and painful and when the corn is removed discharge may be present

Treatment of callus and corns

  • Do not attempt to remove callus and corns with scissors, blades or other sharp instruments
  • Do not use corn plasters. They contain strong acids that can burn the skin. They should NEVER be used by a diabetic
  • Light callus can be treated at home with a pumice stone or foot file. Take care not to over-file the area as it can become sore and inflamed
  • Change your shoes Ð most calluses and corns that develop on and between the toes are caused by poor fitting footwear. Shoes need to be deep, long, and wide enough and have a cushioning sole (see Footwear guide)
  • Assessment of foot alignment and provision of insoles can stabilise and distribute pressure more evenly through the feet (see Biomechanics & orthotics)
  • Shock absorbing insoles in your shoes can protect against corns and callus on the soles of your feet
  • Apply moisturising cream to your feet, paying particular attention to the areas of dry and hard skin. Some moisturising creams are designed specifically for callus. Do not apply cream between the toes as it can encourage AthleteÕs foot (see Athlete's foot)
  • To treat soft corns between the toes, be sure to dry properly between the toes after showering or bathing. Dab a little surgical spirit between the toes daily to keep the skin dry
Your podiatrist can advise on the most suitable treatment for you.

What can a Podiatrist do?

  • Safely remove and reduce callus and corns
  • In cases of infection, remove the corn, dress the wound and advise on dressing regimes. Some podiatrists can prescribe antibiotics to treat local infections
  • Provide padding to protect the painful areas from pressure and friction
  • Assess foot alignment and prescribe insoles to redistribute pressure through the foot (see Biomechanics and orthotics)
  • Advise on footwear (see Footwear advice)

When should I seek medical care?

If you notice any redness, swelling, bleeding, or infection, see a podiatrist or your GP. If bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary.