Learn About Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin. They are caused by repeated pressure or friction at the spot where the corn or callus develops.
Calluses and corns
Corns and calluses are caused by pressure or friction on skin. A corn is thickened skin on the top or side of a toe. Most of the time it is caused by bad-fitting shoes. A callus is thickened skin on your hands or the soles of your feet.
The thickening of the skin is a protective reaction. For example, farmers and rowers get calluses on their hands that prevent blisters from forming. People with bunions often develop a callus over the bunion because it rubs against the shoe.
Corns and calluses may be painful but are not serious problems for most people.
Symptoms may include:
- Skin is thick and hardened.
- Skin may be flaky and dry.
- Hardened, thick skin areas are found on hands, feet, or other areas that may be rubbed or pressed.
- The affected areas can be painful and may bleed.
Preventing friction is often the only treatment needed.
To treat corns:
- If poor fitting shoes are causing the corn, changing to shoes with a better fit will help get rid of the problem most of the time.
- Protect the corn with a doughnut-shaped corn pad while it is healing. You can buy these at most drug stores.
To treat calluses:
- Calluses often occur due to excess pressure placed on the skin because of another problem such as bunions or hammertoes. Proper treatment of any underlying condition should prevent the calluses from returning.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands during activities that cause friction (such as gardening and weight lifting) to help prevent calluses.
If an infection or ulcer occurs in an area of a callus or corn, the tissue may need to be removed by a provider. You may need to take antibiotics.
Magali Foley-Brousseau practices in Trois Rivières, Canada. Ms. Foley-Brousseau is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Corns and Calluses. Her top areas of expertise are Corns and Calluses, Peripheral Artery Disease, and Peripheral Neuropathy.
William C Stoll LLC
Daalia Jones is a Podiatric Medicine provider in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Jones is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Corns and Calluses. Her top areas of expertise are Fungal Nail Infection, Corns and Calluses, Ingrown Toenail, and Hammer Toe. Dr. Jones is currently accepting new patients.
Feet For Life Podiatry Centers Inc. P.C.
Dr. Michael Horwitz is a highly regarded foot and ankle surgeon and the founder of Feet For Life Podiatry Centers, one of the most advanced foot-care clinics in the St. Louis region. With more than 25 years of surgical experience, he specializes in reconstructive foot surgery, heel pain, bunion correction, sports injuries, and comprehensive care for common nail and skin conditions.At Feet For Life, Dr. Horwitz leads a multidisciplinary team offering both traditional and modern treatment options designed to reduce pain, improve function, and help patients return to active living with confidence.Dr. Horwitz is also the creator of SafetyFix, a patented removable screw system that improves patient comfort and simplifies postoperative hardware management. This innovation allows for easier in-office removal and helps reduce long-term irritation often associated with permanent implants.He additionally co-founded CleanSpa, the region’s first podiatrist-owned medical nail spa, offering medically guided cosmetic foot care with rigorous sterilization standards.Known for combining surgical expertise with forward-thinking solutions, Dr. Horwitz continues to expand access to high-quality, patient-focused foot and ankle care throughout the Midwest. Dr. Horwitz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Corns and Calluses. His top areas of expertise are Ledderhose Disease, Fibromatosis, Plantar Fasciitis, and Tendinitis.
Corns and calluses are rarely serious. They should improve with proper treatment and not cause long-term problems.
Complications of corns and calluses are rare. People with diabetes or problems with the nerves in their toes are prone to ulcers and infections and should regularly examine their feet to identify any problems right away. Such foot injuries need medical attention.
Check your feet carefully if you have diabetes or numbness in the feet or toes.
Otherwise, the problem should resolve with changing to better-fitting shoes or wearing gloves.
Call your provider if:
- You have diabetes and notice problems with your feet.
- You think your corn or callus is not getting better with treatment.
- You have continued symptoms of pain, redness, warmth, or drainage from the area.
Published Date: April 01, 2025
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
American Diabetes Association Primary Care Advisory Group. Standards of care in diabetes-2025 abridged for primary care professionals. Section 12: Retinopathy, neuropathy, and foot care. Clin Diabetes. 2025;43(2):217-218. diabetesjournals.org/clinical/article/43/2/217/158034/Section-12-Retinopathy-Neuropathy-and-Foot-Care.
Hannam S, Smith ML. Environmental and sports-related skin diseases. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 88.
Metze D, Oji V. Disorders of keratinization. In: Calonje E, Brenn T, Lazar AJ, Billings SD, eds. McKee's Pathology of the Skin. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 3.