Corns & Calluses

What are Corns and Calluses?

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to friction, pressure or repeated rubbing. They are part of the skin’s natural defence mechanism, forming a protective barrier over vulnerable areas.

Calluses are usually broad and flat, while corns are more localised and may be painful. Although they are not harmful, they can become uncomfortable and affect your daily activities. But with the right treatment, most cases improve quickly. 

What are the different types of Corns and Calluses?

They can vary in appearance depending on their location and depth. This includes:

• Calluses – these are broad areas of hardened, rough skin. They usually develop on the soles, particularly under the heels or balls of the feet. They may also appear in the hands of people who use tools or play instruments. Calluses are not usually painful.
• Hard Corns – hard corns are dense and small circular areas of thickened skin that often form on the tops or sides of the toes. They may feel like a firm bump and are typically caused by shoe pressure.
• Soft Corns – soft corns occur between the toes, where the skin is moist. They appear white and rubbery and may be painful. This is due to the trapped moisture and pressure between toes.
• Seed Corns – these are tiny corns that tend to form on the bottom of the feet. They can be painless but may feel tender when standing or walking.

What causes Corns and Calluses?

They typically form when the skin tries to protect itself from ongoing stress. Some of the common triggers include:

• Abnormal walking patterns – increase pressure on specific parts of the feet
• Foot structural abnormalities – bunions, hammer toes or high arches create uneven pressure
• Manual activities – using tools or instruments without gloves
• Tight or ill-fitting shoes – cause pressure on bony areas like toes or heels
• Wearing shoes without socks – increases friction on the skin

The skin may also respond by producing more keratin if the pressure continues. This eventually leads to a thickened surface.

What are the characteristics of Corns and Calluses?

Signs that you may have corns and calluses include:

• A dry, flaky or waxy surface
• A raised bump with a central core (in hard corns)
• Areas of thick, rough or hardened skin
• Pain when walking or wearing shoes (especially with corns)
• Skin that appears white and soft between toes (in soft corns)

In some cases, thickened skin can crack, which may lead to pain or secondary infection.

What are the differences between Corns and Calluses?

Although corns and calluses are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. They differ in terms of appearance and location, such as:

What are the possible complications of Corns and Calluses if left untreated?

Corns and calluses may seem harmless, but leaving them untreated can lead to:

• Changes in posture or gait as you subconsciously shift weight to avoid pain
• Infection, which may cause swelling, redness, discharge or warmth
• Persistent pain when walking, standing or wearing shoes
• Skin breakdown or cracks, increasing the risk of infection
• Ulcers, especially in people with diabetes or poor circulation

Should you notice any bleeding or signs of infection, see a dermatologist immediately. By receiving early treatment, complications can be prevented.

Who is at risk of developing Corns and Calluses?

These rough patches of skin can affect anyone. But some people are more likely to develop them due to certain habits, foot structure or medical conditions.

Some of these factors are:

• Ageing skin – as we age, the skin becomes thinner and less elastic. Older adults may also experience changes in foot structure. This makes the skin more vulnerable to pressure-related thickening.
• Abnormal gait or posture – how you walk or stand affects where your weight is distributed. If your walking pattern places extra stress on certain parts of your feet, your skin may respond by thickening over time.
• Diabetes or poor circulation – people with diabetes or circulatory issues may not feel early signs of pressure or friction due to nerve damage. This can lead to more severe corns or calluses forming before they are noticed.
• Foot deformities or structural issues – conditions like bunions, hammer toes or flat feet can create uneven pressure when walking. This causes certain areas of the foot to bear more stress and encourages the development of corns or calluses.
• High heel or pointed-toe footwear – these shoes shift body weight onto the front of the foot and squeeze the toes together. This increases the pressure on small joints and bony areas where corn often develops.
• Not wearing socks – going barefoot in shoes or sandals without socks can cause direct skin-to-shoe friction. This raises the risk of skin thickening and irritation.
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes – shoes that are too tight, narrow or loose can create constant rubbing or pressure. This is especially true over the toes or heels. Over time, this leads to thickened areas of skin where the friction occurs.

How are Corns and Calluses diagnosed?

Both corns and calluses are usually diagnosed through a thorough clinical examination. While no scans or lab tests are required, the dermatologist will:

• Examine the affected area to check for thickened and hardened skin
• Look at the location, shape and texture to differentiate between a corn and a callus
• Ask about your footwear, lifestyle and daily activities
• Assess your walking pattern or posture if pressure points are uneven
• Check for any underlying foot deformities like bunions or hammer toes

How are Corns and Calluses treated?

Relief starts with removing the pressure and giving your skin the chance to heal. Whether you are dealing with thickened soles or painful toe lesions, treatment depends on the size, location and cause of the problem.

First-line options

These are often the starting point for most cases:

• Footwear changes – sometimes the key lies in the shoes. Switching to well-cushioned, wide-fitting footwear can ease pressure and prevent new corns or calluses from forming.
• Pressure relief – custom padding, toe spacers or soft insoles can reduce friction and offload pressure from problem areas. This helps stop the lesion from getting worse or returning.
• Professional skin removal – our dermatologist can gently pare down thickened skin using a sterile blade. This relieves pressure and makes walking more comfortable. It is quick, safe and usually painless
• Softeners and exfoliants – special creams with urea or salicylic acid help break down hardened skin over time. They are often applied daily to reduce buildup and help keep the skin smooth.

For persistent or complex cases

Some situations may require additional support. This may include:

• Orthotics – if foot shape or gait is causing uneven pressure, a dermatologist may suggest customised insoles to correct how your weight is distributed when you walk.
• Gait assessment – subtle imbalances in posture or walking pattern can contribute to repeated pressure points. Addressing this can reduce recurrence in the long run.
• Referral for bone-related causes – if bony deformities like hammer toes or bunions are the source of pressure, referral to an orthopaedic or podiatry specialist may be needed for further evaluation.

Summary

Corns and calluses are your body’s natural defence against repeated friction and pressure. However, when left untreated, they can lead to significant discomfort and interfere with your daily activities. With the right care and attention, these skin conditions can be effectively managed or even prevented. 

At Dermatology Collective, we understand that every patient’s skin is different. Our approach is gentle, targeted and focused on restoring comfort to ensure you can stay active and confident on your feet. If you are dealing with painful or stubborn corns and calluses, get in touch to schedule an appointment for a detailed diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.