Quick read
Key points
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Corns and calluses are areas of thickened, hardened skin that develop in response to repeated friction or pressure, most commonly on the feet. Calluses tend to be broader and less well-defined, while corns are typically smaller, more localised, and can be more painful, especially when pressed.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Corns or calluses are painful or affecting your ability to walk comfortably
01 · Know
What is Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened, hardened skin that develop in response to repeated friction or pressure, most commonly on the feet. Calluses tend to be broader and less well-defined, while corns are typically smaller, more localised, and can be more painful, especially when pressed.
They're usually caused by ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or an abnormal walking pattern that puts uneven pressure on certain areas of the foot. Addressing the underlying cause, alongside simple foot care, usually resolves them well.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Ill-fitting footwear is the most common underlying cause
Corns and calluses often keep recurring unless the underlying cause — usually shoes that don't fit well or cause repeated friction — is addressed alongside any direct treatment.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor or Podiatrist
- 1Corns or calluses are painful or affecting your ability to walk comfortably
- 2You have diabetes or poor circulation, which means foot care needs extra caution
- 3They keep recurring despite footwear changes
- 4You're unsure how to safely remove thickened skin yourself
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
People with Diabetes Should See a Podiatrist Rather Than Self-Treating
If you have diabetes or reduced sensation in your feet, avoid treating corns and calluses yourself — see a podiatrist, since even minor injuries can be more serious for people with these conditions.
- 1Wear well-fitting shoes with enough room.This reduces the friction and pressure that cause corns and calluses to form.
- 2Use a pumice stone or foot file gently.After bathing, when skin is softened, gentle filing can help reduce thickened areas.
- 3Try protective padding.Corn pads or cushioning can reduce pressure on affected areas while shoes are broken in or changed.
- 4Moisturize your feet regularly.This helps keep skin supple and less prone to thickening.
- 5See a podiatrist for persistent or painful corns.They can safely treat them and advise on preventing recurrence.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Corns and calluses are common and usually improve well with better-fitting footwear and simple foot care.
If you have diabetes or poor circulation, always see a podiatrist rather than treating corns or calluses yourself.