A corn can develop between the toes, has a core, and can be quite painful. Corns also develop along the tops of the toes, most often located just above a joint in the toe. [2] X Research source Corns are categorized as hard, soft, or periungual. A hard corn most commonly develops on the top of the toe and over a bone joint. A soft corn develops between the toes, usually between the fourth and fifth toes. A periungual corn is less common, and occurs along the edge of a nailbed. [3] X Research source A core is not always present, but is usually found at the center of the corn. The core consists of thick and dense skin tissue. [4] X Research source The core of the corn points inward and often presses on a bone or nerve which causes it to be quite painful. [5] X Research source A callus does not have a core, and is a broader area that is made of evenly distributed thicker tissue. Calluses are not usually painful, although they can be uncomfortable. [6] X Research source Calluses usually develop on the bottom of the foot and just beneath the toe area. Calluses can also develop on the hands, usually on the palm side and just under the fingers. [7] X Research source Both corns and calluses are caused by friction and pressure. [8] X Research source
The use of over-the-counter products is helpful in removing corns and calluses, but their use is more effective when combined with general measures to take care of the skin. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Take steps to treat the immediate problem, but be sure to correct the problem causing the friction or pressure. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Soak the foot in warm water for about five minutes to soften the tissue. Dry the foot and toes thoroughly before applying the pads. [13] X Research source Take care not to apply the pad against healthy skin tissue. [14] X Research source Most products recommend repeating the procedure every 48 to 72 hours, for up to 14 days, or until the corn is removed. [15] X Research source Salicylic acid is classed as a keratolytic agent. This means it helps to bring added moisture to the area while working to soften and dissolve skin tissue. Salicylic acid can be harmful to healthy tissue. [16] X Research source Follow the instructions on the product or in the product literature. Do not use if you are allergic to salicylic acid products. [17] X Research source Avoid getting salicylic acid products in your eyes, nose, or mouth, and do not use on any other area of the body without instructions from your doctor. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Rinse any areas accidentally exposed to salicylic acid with water immediately. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Keep salicylic acid products stored in a safe manner, away from children and pets.
Each product has unique application instructions. Follow the direction on the product or in the product literature to effectively use salicylic acid products to get rid of calluses. [21] X Research source
Products that contain 45% urea can be used topically as keratolytics to help soften and remove unwanted tissue, including corns and calluses. [23] X Research source Follow the directions provided on the product label or contained in the product literature. [24] X Research source Routine directions for using 45% topical urea products include twice daily applications until the condition has resolved. [25] X Research source Do not ingest topical urea products, and do not get them in your eyes, nose, or mouth. [26] X Research source Keep the products away from children and pets. [27] X Research source If swallowed, call 911, call a poison control center, or seek emergency medical attention the fastest way possible. [28] X Research source
This can also be used for unwanted calluses that form on the hands. [31] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Using a device like a pumice stone or file helps to remove layers of dead skin. Take care not to file away healthy tissue. Doing so can lead to further irritation and possibly infection if the healthy skin is broken. [32] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source File away layers of thickened and hard tissue before you apply medication. [33] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
For unwanted calluses on your hands, soaking the area can help to soften the tissue just as it does for your feet. [35] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Dry your feet or hands thoroughly after soaking. While your skin tissue is soft after soaking, proceed with using your pumice stone or file. [36] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source . Even if you don’t have time to soak your feet or hands every day, use the pumice stone or file just after getting out of your bath or shower. [37] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
This can make it easier to remove the hardened thick areas of skin with a pumice stone or file, as well as help to prevent the formation of corns and calluses. [39] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Since the skin on your feet is very thick, use a thick lotion to ensure it’s able to penetrate deep enough to soften your feet. [40] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
Medical conditions like diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and any other condition that interferes with normal blood flow, warrant medical help to treat corns and calluses. Talk to your doctor before treating your corns or calluses at home. [42] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Seeking help from your doctor is the safest and most effective way to proceed with treatment. [44] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Some corns and calluses are resistant to the available over-the-counter treatment options. Ask your doctor about prescription strength products or procedures that may be helpful. [45] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Your doctor can help by performing some in-office procedures to improve the condition. [46] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Using a scalpel or other tool available in the medical office, your doctor can help to trim away large areas of excess and hardened skin. [47] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Do not attempt to trim very thick areas of hardened skin at home. This may lead to more irritation, bleeding, and possible infection. [48] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Your doctor can help determine if warts, or any other skin condition, is involved and recommend the best treatment approach. [50] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
See you doctor as soon as possible if any area of your foot or hand is red, swollen, feels warm to the touch, or is more tender than normal. [52] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
Your doctor may refer you to a podiatrist for treatment. Some conditions that may be contributing to the problems you are having with corns and calluses include hammer toe, bone spurs, lower than normal natural arches, and bunions. [54] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Many of these conditions can be corrected by wearing inserts or specially designed footwear. [55] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source In rare cases, surgery may be warranted. [56] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
In some cases, blisters form along with, just beneath, or beside the calluses. When this happens, fluid is contained inside the blisters, which is naturally absorbed back into the skin with time. If the blisters pop or drain, it is easy to get an infection started in the healthy tissue around the blisters and calluses. [58] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Contact your doctor if your hand appears reddened, swollen, or warm to the touch. [59] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Topical or systemic antibiotics may be needed if you have an infection. [60] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
By eliminating the source of the friction, you can prevent corns and calluses from forming. [62] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Be sure your toes have plenty of wiggle room inside your shoes. [64] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Corns develop along the tops and sides of your toes, and can be due to wearing shoes that do not give your toes enough room. [65] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Repeated rubbing or irritation caused by shoes that do not fit properly are a major cause of corns of calluses. [66] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Tightly fitting shoes and shoes with high heels that cause your fit to slide forward can cause corns and calluses to develop. [67] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Calluses develop when the bottom or side of the foot slides against a part of the shoe that is irritating, or slides inside of shoes that are too large. [68] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Always wear socks to prevent the friction and pressure. Especially in shoes that are designed to wear socks, such as athletic foot wear, heavy work shoes, and boots. [70] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Be sure your socks fit properly. Socks that are too tight can squeeze your toes causing unwanted pressure and friction. Loosely fitting socks can slide down on your foot while in the shoe and contribute to added friction and pressure on areas of your foot. [71] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Using pads, sections lamb’s wool, or toe separators can help to reduce the friction and pressure along your toe or foot area where the corns and calluses are located. [73] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
In many cases, calluses on the hand are welcomed. One example involves people that play musical instruments. Guitar players, for instance, appreciate the calluses that form on the tips of their fingers. This helps them to play their instrument without pain. [75] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Another example is athletes that lift weights. The calluses that form on their hands can help them to grasp and manipulate the bars used in weight lifting. [76] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
