Corns and Calluses: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What are corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop when the skin protects itself from repeated pressure or friction. Corns are usually smaller and deeper, with a hard center, while calluses are often larger and less painful. Reducing the pressure or friction may help, but painful, inflamed or persistent areas need professional assessment. [4]
What the research says
Callus is a marker of higher ulcer risk in people with diabetes. A meta-analysis of 20 studies including 4,238 people with diabetic foot ulcers found that callus was associated with ulcer recurrence (odds ratio 5.70, 95% CI 1.36 to 23.89). The authors noted the included studies were limited in quality and quantity, so more rigorous research is needed. This is one reason people with diabetes should seek advice rather than self-treat (Guo et al., Int Wound J, 2023). [1]
Reducing pressure may help prevent ulcers at pressure sites in people with diabetes and nerve damage. In a randomized proof-of-concept trial (90 people recruited, 58 completed), an insole system that measured foot pressure and sent offloading alerts was linked to a 71% reduction in ulcer incidence compared with no alerts (incidence rate ratio 0.29, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.93). In an exploratory analysis, callus severity rose more in people whose ulcers returned (median change 6.5 vs 2.0). The trial was small and early-stage (Abbott et al., Lancet Digit Health, 2019). [2]
Structured foot care improved callus grade in a small uncontrolled study. Among 88 people with diabetes who attended a nurse-led foot care programme for 2 years, callus grade improved (P < 0.001) and none of the patients with a history of foot ulceration had a recurrence of callus-related ulcers. Because there was no control group, the study cannot prove the programme caused these results (Fujiwara et al., J Adv Nurs, 2011). [3]
What are corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin. They form when the skin tries to protect itself from repeated pressure or friction. [4]
They often occur on the feet and toes or on the hands and fingers. Corns and calluses are related, but they are not the same thing. Their size, depth, location and tenderness can help a healthcare professional tell them apart. [4]
For many healthy people, treatment may not be needed unless the area causes pain or is bothersome. Removing the source of pressure or friction may allow the thickened skin to disappear. [4]
Corns and calluses at a glance
Condition | Common locations | Typical features | Key caution |
Corn | Tops and sides of toes; the outer edge of the small toe; between toes | Smaller and deeper, with a hard center; may be painful when pressed | Seek care if it is very painful or inflamed. Do not self-treat if you have diabetes or poor blood flow. |
Callus | Soles, heels, balls of the feet, palms and knees | Usually larger, thick and rough; may vary in size and shape; often less painful | Seek advice if it persists or becomes painful, or if diabetes or poor blood flow is present. |
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
The main differences are where they form, how large or deep they are and how they feel.
Feature | Corn | Callus |
Size and depth | Usually smaller and deeper | Usually larger and more spread out |
Center | Has a hard center surrounded by swollen skin | Usually a broad area of thick, rough skin |
Common locations | Tops and sides of toes; between toes; outer edge of the small toe | Soles, heels, balls of the feet, palms and knees |
Pain | May hurt when pressed | Rarely painful, although it can become tender |
Calluses on the hands may result from playing instruments, using hand tools or even repeated pen use. [4]
A thickened area of skin is not always a corn or callus. Other causes can include warts and cysts. If the area is changing, bleeding or difficult to identify, a healthcare professional can help determine what it is.
What are the symptoms of corns and calluses?
Symptoms of corns and calluses may include a thick, rough area of skin, a hardened raised bump, tenderness or pain under the skin and flaky, dry or waxy skin. [4]
A thick, rough area of skin.
A hardened, raised bump.
Tenderness or pain under the skin.
Flaky, dry or waxy skin.
A hard center in a smaller, deeper area, which may suggest a corn.
A larger thickened area over a pressure spot, which may suggest a callus.
Corns may be painful when pressed. Calluses are often less painful, but they can still become uncomfortable if pressure or friction continues. [4]
What causes corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses are caused by repeated pressure or friction, commonly from ill-fitting shoes or socks, shoe seams, going without socks or playing instruments. Common sources include: [4]
Ill-fitting shoes or socks: Tight shoes and high heels may squeeze the feet, while loose shoes may allow the foot to slide and rub.
Shoe seams or stitches: A seam inside a shoe can repeatedly rub the skin.
Going without socks: Shoes and sandals worn without socks may increase friction.
Playing instruments: Repeated pressure on the fingers or hands may lead to calluses.
Using hand tools: Hand tools, pen use and other repeated actions may create pressure on the hands.
An inherited tendency: Some corns that form on non-weight-bearing areas, such as the soles or palms, may be linked with genetics.
The cause is often a repeated action or pressure point. If the pressure continues, the thickened skin may return even after it has been reduced.
Who is more likely to develop corns and calluses?
Risk factors include footwear that increases pressure or friction and foot conditions that change how pressure is distributed. [4]
Examples include hammertoe and hallux valgus, which causes a bunion-like bulge at the base of the big toe. An inherited tendency to develop certain types of corns may also increase risk. [4]
People with diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to the feet have a greater risk of complications. Even a minor foot injury may lead to an infected open sore, so these readers should seek medical advice before treating a corn or callus themselves. [4]
How are corns and calluses diagnosed?
A healthcare professional will usually examine the feet and ask about the symptoms. The examination can help rule out other causes of thickened skin, such as warts and cysts.
A healthcare professional may confirm the diagnosis by carefully paring away a small amount of hardened skin. If the area bleeds or shows black points, it may be a wart rather than a corn.
Do not try to reproduce this examination at home. A professional assessment is especially important if the area is painful, inflamed, persistent, bleeding or difficult to identify.
How are corns and calluses treated?
Treatment focuses on avoiding the repeated action that caused the corn or callus. Well-fitting shoes and protective pads may reduce pressure and friction.
If a corn or callus persists or becomes painful despite self-care, a healthcare professional may recommend or provide one of the following:
Treatment approach | What it may involve |
Trimming excess skin | A healthcare professional may pare down thickened skin or trim a large corn with a scalpel during an office visit. Do not try this yourself because it can lead to infection. |
Medicated patches | A professional may apply a patch containing salicylic acid and explain how often it should be replaced. |
Shoe inserts | Custom-made padded inserts, also called orthotics, may help when an underlying foot deformity causes recurring pressure. |
Surgery | Surgery may be suggested to correct the alignment of a bone that is causing friction. |
The right option depends on the location, cause, symptoms and overall health of the person. Treatment should not be chosen from an article alone.
What self-care may help?
If you do not have diabetes or poor blood flow, self-care for corns and calluses includes soaking, gently thinning the skin, using a protective pad and moisturizing.
Soak the hands or feet: Warm, soapy water can soften the thickened skin.
Thin the skin gently: A pumice stone, nail file, emery board or washcloth may help remove a layer of toughened skin after soaking.
Use a protective pad: A donut-shaped foam pad can protect the area where a corn or callus formed.
Moisturize: Regular moisturizer may help keep the skin on the hands and feet from becoming excessively dry.
Wear comfortable footwear: Well-fitting, cushioned shoes and socks may reduce pressure while the area improves.
Do not use a sharp object to cut or trim a corn or callus. Do not use a pumice stone if you have diabetes. People with diabetes or poor blood flow should consult a healthcare professional before treating a corn or callus on their own.
Are medicated corn removers safe for everyone?
No. Liquid corn removers and medicated corn pads may contain salicylic acid. This can irritate healthy skin and lead to infection, especially in people with diabetes or conditions that cause poor blood flow.
If you are considering a medicated pad or liquid treatment, ask a healthcare professional whether it is appropriate for you. Do not assume that an over-the-counter product is safe for every foot or skin condition.
How can you prevent corns and calluses?
Preventing corns and calluses focuses on reducing repeated pressure and friction, such as choosing shoes with enough toe room and addressing rubbing points. Helpful approaches may include: [4]
Choose shoes with enough room for your toes: If you cannot wiggle your toes, the shoes may be too tight.
Address rubbing points: A shoe shop may be able to stretch a part of a shoe that pinches or rubs.
Fit shoes when feet are most swollen: This is often at the end of the day.
Wear orthotics or inserts when fitting shoes: If you use them, take them with you when choosing footwear.
Use protective coverings: Felt pads, nonmedicated corn pads or bandages may protect areas that rub against footwear.
Try toe separators or soft material between toes: These may help reduce rubbing between the toes.
Protect your hands during tool use: Padded gloves or padding added to tool handles may reduce pressure.
When should you see a healthcare professional?
Seek professional advice if a corn or callus becomes very painful, inflamed or does not improve with appropriate self-care.
You should also seek medical advice before self-treating if you have diabetes or poor blood flow to your feet. In these situations, even a minor injury can lead to an infected open sore.
Professional assessment is also important when:
The thickened area bleeds.
You are not sure whether it is a corn, callus, wart or cyst.
The area changes quickly.
Pain continues despite reducing pressure.
A wound or open sore develops.
You have an underlying foot condition that may be causing repeated pressure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
A corn is usually smaller and deeper, with a hard center, and may hurt when pressed. A callus is usually larger, forms over a pressure spot and is often less painful.
What causes corns and calluses?
Repeated pressure and friction cause corns and calluses. Tight or loose footwear, socks that do not fit, going without socks, hand tools, instruments and repeated pen use can all create pressure or rubbing.
How can corns and calluses be treated at home?
For people without diabetes or poor blood flow, warm soaks, gentle thinning with a pumice stone or file, protective pads, moisturizer and comfortable footwear may help. Do not cut the skin with a sharp object, and seek medical advice if the area is painful, inflamed or persistent.
When should you see a doctor for a corn or callus?
See a healthcare professional if it becomes very painful, inflamed or does not improve with self-care. People with diabetes or poor blood flow should seek medical advice before treating one at home.
Can people with diabetes use corn removers or pumice stones?
People with diabetes should not use a pumice stone and should consult a healthcare professional before self-treating. Medicated corn removers and pads containing salicylic acid can irritate healthy skin and lead to infection, especially when diabetes or poor blood flow is present.
How can you prevent corns and calluses?
Reduce pressure and friction with shoes that give the toes room, protective coverings, toe separators or soft material between toes, and padded gloves or tool handles when appropriate. If you use orthotics or inserts, take them with you when fitting shoes.
Conclusion: what to remember about corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are common thickened areas of skin caused by repeated pressure or friction. Corns are usually smaller and deeper, while calluses are often larger and less painful.
The most useful first step is to identify what is rubbing or pressing on the skin and reduce that pressure. However, self-care is not appropriate for everyone. People with diabetes or poor blood flow should seek medical advice before treating a corn or callus. If the area is very painful, inflamed, persistent, bleeding or difficult to identify, contact a healthcare professional.
References
Guo Q, Ying G, Jing O, et al. Influencing factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers: a meta-analysis. Int Wound J. 2023;20(5):1762-1775. PMID 36385501. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.14017
Abbott CA, Chatwin KE, Foden P, et al. Innovative intelligent insole system reduces diabetic foot ulcer recurrence at plantar sites: a prospective, randomised, proof-of-concept study. Lancet Digit Health. 2019;1(6):e308-e318. PMID 33323253. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(19)30128-1
Fujiwara Y, Kishida K, Terao M, et al. Beneficial effects of foot care nursing for people with diabetes mellitus: an uncontrolled before and after intervention study. J Adv Nurs. 2011;67(9):1952-1962. PMID 21480962. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05640.x
Mayo Clinic Staff. Corns and calluses: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. May 9, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946
Mayo Clinic Staff. Corns and calluses: Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. May 9, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355951
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
It does not diagnose a skin or foot problem. People with diabetes or poor blood flow should seek medical advice before self-treating a corn or callus.
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