Corns and Calluses Overview
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.
Mcr Health Inc
Chrisbel Dafeamekpor is a Podiatric Medicine provider in Bradenton, Florida. Dr. Dafeamekpor and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Corns and Calluses. His top areas of expertise are Fungal Nail Infection, Corns and Calluses, Synovial Osteochondromatosis, and Ledderhose Disease. Dr. Dafeamekpor is currently accepting new patients.
Jairo Cruz is a Podiatric Medicine specialist and a Podiatric Surgeon in Brandon, Florida. Dr. Cruz has been practicing medicine for over 14 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Corns and Calluses. His top areas of expertise are Fungal Nail Infection, Tendinitis, Gangrene, and Corns and Calluses. Dr. Cruz is currently accepting new patients.
Sunghwan Byun is a Podiatric Medicine provider in Palmetto, Florida. Dr. Byun and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Corns and Calluses. His top areas of expertise are Fungal Nail Infection, Corns and Calluses, Hammer Toe, and Athlete's Foot.
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 27, 2023
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, 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. Standard of medical care in diabetes-2023 abridged for primary care providers. Clin Diabetes. 2023;41(1):4-31. PMID: 36714254 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36714254/.
Smith ML. Environmental and sports-related skin diseases. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018: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. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 3.