Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Corns and Calluses
Corns and Calluses
Corns are small areas of thickened skin that form on the top, sides, or tip of a toe. Corns have a cone-shaped core with a point that can press on a nerve below. This causes pain.
Calluses are areas of thickened skin that can form anywhere on the body, including the hands, fingers, palms, soles of the feet, and heels. Calluses are usually larger than corns.
What are the causes?
Corns and calluses are caused by rubbing (friction) or pressure, such as from shoes that are too tight or do not fit properly.
What increases the risk?
Corns are more likely to develop in people who have misshapen toes (toe deformities), such as hammer toes.
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Work with their hands.
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Wear shoes that fit poorly, are too tight, or are high-heeled.
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Have toe deformities.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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A hard growth on the skin.
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Pain or tenderness under the skin.
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Redness and swelling.
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Increased discomfort while wearing tight-fitting shoes, if your feet are affected.
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Redness and swelling that gets worse.
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Pain.
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Fluid, blood, or pus draining from the corn or callus.
How is this diagnosed?
Corns and calluses may be diagnosed based on your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam.
How is this treated?
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Removing the cause of the friction or pressure. This may involve:
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Changing your shoes.
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Wearing shoe inserts (orthotics) or other protective layers in your shoes, such as a corn pad.
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Wearing gloves.
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Applying medicine to the skin (topical medicine) to help soften skin in the hardened, thickened areas.
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Removing layers of dead skin with a file to reduce the size of the corn or callus.
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Removing the corn or callus with a scalpel or laser.
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Taking antibiotic medicines, if your corn or callus is infected.
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Having surgery, if a toe deformity is the cause.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking it even if your condition improves.
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Wear shoes that fit well. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes and shoes that are too tight or too loose.
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Wear any padding, protective layers, gloves, or orthotics as told by your health care provider.
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Soak your hands or feet. Then use a file or pumice stone to soften your corn or callus. Do this as told by your health care provider.
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Check your corn or callus every day for signs of infection.
Contact a health care provider if:
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Your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
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You have redness or swelling that gets worse.
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Your corn or callus becomes painful.
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You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from your corn or callus.
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You have new symptoms.
Get help right away if:
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You develop severe pain with redness.
Summary
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Corns are small areas of thickened skin that form on the top, sides, or tip of a toe. These can be painful.
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Calluses are areas of thickened skin that can form anywhere on the body, including the hands, fingers, palms, and soles of the feet. Calluses are usually larger than corns.
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Corns and calluses are caused by rubbing (friction) or pressure, such as from shoes that are too tight or do not fit properly.
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Treatment may include wearing padding, protective layers, gloves, or orthotics as told by your health care provider.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
