Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are patches of hard, thick skin that can develop on your feet, toes, and hands. While they can be uncomfortable or painful, they're usually not serious and there are things you can do to help them.

What's the Difference?

Corns are small, round lumps of hard skin. They're usually smaller and can feel quite tender when you press on them.

Calluses are larger patches of rough, thick skin. They tend to be bigger than corns and cover more area.

Both happen when your skin tries to protect itself from pressure or rubbing by building up extra layers.

What Causes Them?

Corns and calluses develop when something keeps rubbing or pressing on your skin. Common causes include:

• Wearing shoes that don't fit properly (too tight, too loose, or the wrong shape)
• High heels or pointy shoes
• Not wearing socks with your shoes
• Walking barefoot regularly
• Lifting heavy things without gloves
• Playing musical instruments that put pressure on your hands

What You Can Do at Home

There are several things you can try to soften and remove corns and calluses:

Do:

• Wear thick, cushioned socks
• Choose wide, comfortable shoes with low heels and soft soles
• Use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes
• Soak the hard skin in warm water to soften it
• Gently remove hard skin with a pumice stone or foot file after soaking
• Use moisturiser to keep your skin soft

Don't:

• Try to cut off corns or calluses yourself with knives or scissors
• Walk long distances or stand for long periods when possible
• Wear high heels or tight, pointy shoes
• Go barefoot

When to Get Help

Speak to your GP if:

• You have diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your blood flow (these conditions make foot problems more serious)
• The corn or callus bleeds or has pus coming from it
• You've tried treating it at home for 3 weeks but it hasn't improved
• The pain is severe or stops you doing normal activities

What Your Pharmacist Can Help With

Your local pharmacist can suggest:

• Heel pads and insoles
• Special products to treat corns and calluses
• Pain relief options

Professional Treatment

If home treatment doesn't work, your GP might:

• Give you antibiotics if there's an infection
• Refer you to a foot specialist (called a podiatrist)

A podiatrist can offer treatments like:

• Safely cutting away the hard skin
• Special patches to soften the skin
• Custom-made pads or insoles to reduce pressure

Important: If you have diabetes, heart disease, or circulation problems, don't try to treat corns and calluses yourself. These conditions can make foot problems much more serious. Always speak to your GP or foot specialist instead.

Prevention is Best

The best way to avoid corns and calluses is to wear properly fitting shoes with socks, avoid going barefoot, and protect your hands when doing activities that might cause rubbing.

Remember, while corns and calluses can be annoying and uncomfortable, they're usually not serious. With the right care and properly fitting shoes, most people can manage them successfully.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.