Corns and Calluses

What Are Corns and Calluses?

Corns and calluses are thick, hardened areas of skin that usually develop on the feet. They form when your skin tries to protect itself from repeated rubbing, pressure, or friction—often caused by footwear or how you walk.

These skin changes are common and not usually serious, but they can sometimes become uncomfortable or painful. Understanding what causes them and how to care for your feet can help you manage or prevent them.

What Do Corns and Calluses Look Like?

Corns and calluses may look similar, but they have some key differences:

Corns

Corns are small, round areas of thickened skin that often feel hard or raised. They usually develop in places where your shoes rub or where there’s pressure on your toes or feet.

  • Hard corns: These are the most common type. They often appear on the tops or sides of the toes, especially the little toe, or under the ball of the foot.
  • Soft corns: These form between the toes—most often between the fourth and fifth toes. They stay softer because of moisture in these areas and may feel rubbery or tender.

Calluses

Calluses are larger, flatter patches of thickened skin. They usually develop on the soles of the feet, especially under the heels or balls of the feet, and are often less defined in shape than corns.

Calluses are generally not painful, but they can become uncomfortable if they build up too much.

What Causes Corns and Calluses?

Corns and calluses form when there’s repeated pressure or friction on your skin. This often happens on the feet, where shoes and walking patterns can create pressure points.

Common Causes Include:

  • Poorly fitting shoes
    Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or have high heels can rub against your skin or squeeze your toes, leading to pressure and friction.
  • Toe deformities
    Conditions like bunions or hammertoes can change how your foot fits in a shoe, increasing pressure in certain areas.
  • How you walk (your gait)
    If your walking pattern puts more pressure on certain parts of your feet, you may be more likely to develop corns or calluses.
  • Repetitive activities
    Activities like running, walking long distances, or standing for long periods can put stress on your feet.
  • Skin type
    Some people naturally develop thicker skin or are more prone to calluses due to their skin type.

Selfcare and more information

How Can I Care for Corns and Calluses at Home?

Most corns and calluses can be managed at home with simple self-care steps. These tips can help reduce discomfort and prevent them from coming back.

Gentle Skin Care

  • Soften the skin by soaking your feet in warm water for 10–15 minutes.
  • Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently rub away thickened skin. Do this regularly, but avoid overdoing it.
  • Moisturise daily with a foot cream or lotion (avoid applying between the toes to prevent excess moisture).

Footwear Tips

  • Choose shoes with a wide, deep toe box to reduce pressure on your toes.
  • Avoid tight, narrow, or slip-on shoes that can rub or squeeze your feet.
  • Wear shoes with cushioned soles or consider walking boots or rocker-soled shoes if you have pressure under the ball of your foot.
  • You can also try over-the-counter cushioned insoles for extra comfort and support.
  • If needed, a shoe repair or fitting service may be able to stretch your shoes for a better fit.

What to Avoid

  • Do not use chemical corn plasters or treatments that burn away the skin, as these can cause damage—especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

Other Helpful Tips

  • Stretching your calves may help relieve pressure on the front of your foot. Try this
  • If you need help with regular foot care, consider seeing a private foot care provider.

 

When should I see a Healthcare professional?

While most corns and calluses can be managed at home, there are times when it’s important to get medical advice.

You should seek help if:

  • The area becomes red, swollen, or painful, or if you notice pus—these could be signs of infection.
  • You have a long-term condition such as:
    • Diabetes
    • Poor circulation
    • A weakened immune system

These conditions can increase the risk of complications, so it’s best to get professional advice early. Please follow the link for patient information regarding reasons to seek urgent an review.

What can a podiatrist do?

A podiatrist (foot specialist) can:

  • Safely trim thickened skin
  • Apply protective padding
  • Recommend custom insoles or orthotic devices

What support is available?

You can also explore helpful leaflets and videos on topics like:

If you’re finding it difficult to manage corns or calluses on your own, there are several support options available to help you feel more comfortable and confident in your foot care.

Local Foot Care Services

You may benefit from seeing a foot care professional for advice or treatment. This could include:

  • Help with regular skin care
  • Advice on footwear and insoles
  • Support with managing foot pain or pressure

Additional Information

For more resources on foot care:

Further help

If the above advice has not helped with your problem, then customised insoles may be helpful for making walking more comfortable. Consider a referral to your local NHS Podiatry provider www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/project/podiatry