Corns and Calluses: Causes and Safe Removal
Corns and calluses are the skin's defence against repeated pressure and friction. They are usually harmless but can become painful, and they point to a footwear or mechanics problem worth fixing.
Corn vs callus
A callus is a broad area of thickened skin, usually on the sole or heel, with no defined core. A corn is smaller and more focused, often on or between the toes, with a hard central plug that presses inward and hurts when squeezed. Soft corns form between toes where moisture keeps the skin macerated.
What causes them
Both are caused by repeated mechanical stress: tight or loose shoes, high heels, seams rubbing a toe, bony prominences like bunions or hammertoes, and going sock-free. They are the skin telling you where pressure is concentrated.
Safe removal at home
Soak the foot in warm water for 5-10 minutes, then gently rub the thickened skin with a pumice stone or foot file. Moisturise daily with a urea or salicylic-acid foot cream to soften hard skin. Cushioning pads relieve pressure while the skin recovers. The NHS advises gradual filing over weeks rather than aggressive removal.
What not to do
Preventing them
Fix the root cause: wear well-fitting shoes with a roomy toe box, use moisture-wicking socks, add cushioning insoles, and address bunions or hammertoes that create pressure points. Regular moisturising keeps skin supple.
Frequently asked questions
- Are corns and calluses dangerous?
- Usually not, but they can become painful or infected. People with diabetes should treat any foot skin problem as a reason to see a professional.
- Do corn plasters work?
- Cushioning plasters help, but medicated acid plasters can damage healthy skin and should be avoided by people with diabetes or circulation problems.
Sources & further reading
- Foot and ankle health, Mayo Clinic
- Foot problems, NHS
- Patient resources, American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)