Calluses and corns

A corn is a small area of thickened skin that occurs on the top or side of a toe. It is usually the result of friction or pressure from shoes that do not fit properly. A callus may develop on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet in areas where pressure or friction occur.

The thickening of the skin is a protective reaction. For example, farmers and rowers get callused hands that prevent them from getting painful blisters during their activities.

People with bunions often develop a callus over the bunion because that part of the toe has become very prominent and rubs against the shoe.

Neither corns nor calluses are serious conditions.

• Thick and hardened skin
• May be flaky and dry
• Located on hands, feet, or other areas that may be rubbed or pressured

Your health care provider will make the diagnosis after observing the skin. In most cases tests are not necessary.

Usually, removing the cause of the friction is the only treatment needed. If the corn is a result of a poor-fitting shoe, changing to shoes that fit properly will usually eliminate the corn within a couple of weeks. Until then, the skin can be protected with donut-shaped corn pads, available in pharmacies. If desired, use a pumice stone to gently wear down the corn.

Calluses on the hands can usually be treated by wearing gloves during activities that cause friction, such as gardening and weight lifting.

If an infection or ulcer occurs in an area of a callus or corn, unhealthy tissue may need to be removed by a health care provider and treatment with antibiotics may be necessary.

Calluses often reflect undue pressure placed on the skin because of an underlying problem such as bunions. Proper treatment of any underlying condition should prevent the calluses from returning.

People with diabetes who notice problems with their feet should contact their health care providers. Otherwise, simply changing to better-fitting shoes or wearing gloves should resolve most problems with corns and calluses.

If you suspect that your corn or callus is infected or if it is not getting better despite treatment, contact your health care provider.