What Are Corns & Callouses?
Corns and callouses are areas of thickened, hardened skin that develop when the skin is exposed to repeated pressure or friction. They are very common on the feet, especially on the tops and sides of the toes, between the toes, and on the balls or heels of the feet.
A corn is usually smaller, has a central core, and can be quite painful when pressed. A callous is typically larger, flatter, and spread over a wider area of skin. Although they are the body’s way of protecting itself, corns and callouses can become painful, unsightly, and may lead to further problems if left untreated.
Professional assessment helps to relieve pain safely, identify the underlying cause, and reduce the chance of them coming back.
Symptoms of Corns & Callouses
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Areas of thickened, hard skin on the toes, balls of the feet, or heels
- Small, circular “plugs” of hard skin (corns), often on bony prominences
- Pain or tenderness when walking, standing, or wearing shoes
- Dry, flaky, or waxy appearance over the affected area
- Burning or aching discomfort after long periods on your feet
- Skin sensitivity in footwear where rubbing or pressure occurs
Painful Corns or Callouses?
You don’t need to live with sore, hard skin on your feet. Our podiatrists can safely remove corns and callouses, address the underlying cause, and help keep your feet comfortable.
Common Causes of Corns & Callouses
1. Repeated Pressure and Friction
Ongoing rubbing or pressure from walking, standing, or certain activities causes the skin to thicken as a protective response. Over time, this can lead to painful corns or callouses.
2. Ill-Fitting Footwear
Tight shoes, high heels, or narrow toe boxes can create pressure points, particularly on the tops and sides of toes and the balls of the feet. Loose shoes can cause the foot to slide and rub, also leading to hard skin.
3. Toe Deformities
Conditions such as hammer toes, claw toes, bunions, and overlapping toes create bony prominences that are more likely to rub against shoes or the ground, resulting in corns and callouses.
4. High-Pressure Areas Under the Foot
Changes in foot structure or biomechanics (such as high arches or flat feet) can cause extra pressure under specific areas of the sole, leading to callous build-up over time.
5. Occupation and Activity
Jobs or sports that involve long periods of standing, walking, or heavy lifting increase pressure through the feet and can contribute to hard skin formation.
6. Lack of Protective Padding
As we age, the natural fat pad under the ball and heel of the foot can thin, reducing cushioning and increasing the likelihood of callous formation over bony areas.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Seek urgent care if you develop an open sore, signs of infection (spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever), or if you have diabetes and notice any broken skin, ulcer, or sudden change in a corn or callous.
How Are Corns & Callouses Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually straightforward and based on a visual examination. Your podiatrist will assess:
- Location and appearance: To differentiate between corns, callouses, and other conditions such as warts
- Footwear and pressure points: Looking for areas of friction or tightness
- Foot structure and biomechanics: Checking for deformities, flat feet, or high arches
- Skin and circulation health: Especially important in people with diabetes or vascular disease
Get a Professional Foot Assessment
We don’t just remove hard skin — we identify why it’s forming and help you protect your feet in the long term.
Treatment Options for Corns & Callouses
Treatment aims to safely remove hard skin, relieve pain, and reduce the pressure or friction that caused the problem in the first place.
Conservative Treatments
- Professional debridement: Careful trimming and smoothing of corns and callouses by a podiatrist
- Padding and protective devices: Toe sleeves, gel pads, and cushions to reduce pressure and friction
- Footwear changes: Choosing shoes with a wide toe box, soft uppers, and cushioning
- Moisturising creams: To soften dry, thickened skin and improve skin health
- Custom orthotics: Insoles designed to redistribute pressure away from high-load areas
- Regular maintenance care: Periodic visits to keep hard skin under control
Advanced and Special Considerations
- Management of underlying deformities: Addressing bunions, hammer toes, or other structural problems where possible
- Referral for surgical opinion: In rare cases where severe deformity causes recurrent painful corns
- High-risk foot care: Extra precautions and monitoring for people with diabetes or circulation problems
Preventing Corns & Callouses
You can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing well-fitted shoes with enough room for your toes
- Avoiding high heels or very narrow footwear for everyday use
- Using cushioned insoles or orthotics if you have high-pressure areas
- Keeping skin moisturised to prevent dryness and cracking
- Checking your feet regularly for areas of rubbing or hard skin
- Seeking early advice if new pain, rubbing, or deformities develop
When to See a Podiatrist
Book an appointment if you experience:
- Persistent or painful corns or callouses
- Difficulty walking comfortably due to hard skin
- Recurrent corns in the same area
- Skin redness, cracking, or signs of infection
- Corns or callouses and you also have diabetes or poor circulation
- Toe deformities or footwear problems contributing to pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
A corn is a smaller, more focused area of hard skin with a central core that can be quite painful when pressed. A callous is a broader area of thickened skin, usually less sharply painful but often uncomfortable with pressure or walking.
It is not recommended to cut or shave hard skin at home, as this can cause injury or infection. Over-the-counter acid plasters can also damage healthy skin. Professional care from a podiatrist is safer and more effective.
No. Warts are caused by a virus and often have small black dots and an interrupted skin pattern. Corns and callouses are caused by pressure and friction. Your podiatrist can distinguish between them and provide the right treatment.
