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Summary
Corns and calluses are caused by pressure or friction on your skin. They often appear on feet where the bony parts of your feet rub against your shoes. Corns usually appear on the tops or sides of toes while calluses form on the soles of feet. Calluses also can appear on hands or other areas that are rubbed or pressed.
Wearing shoes that fit better or using non-medicated pads may help. While bathing, gently rub the corn or callus with a washcloth or pumice stone to help reduce the size. To avoid infection, do not try to shave off the corn or callus. See your doctor, especially if you have diabetes or circulation problems.
NIH: National Institute on Aging
Prevention and Risk Factors
-
Diabetes and Foot Problems
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
Also in Spanish
- Taking Care of Your Feet (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society)
Treatments and Therapies
- How to Treat Corns and Calluses (American Academy of Dermatology)
Related Issues
- 10 Points of Proper Shoe Fit: How Do You Find the Right Shoes? (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society)
- Bunions (Hallux Abducto Valgus) (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons) Also in Spanish
- Hammertoe (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons) Also in Spanish
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Callosities
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Find an Expert
- American Podiatric Medical Association
- Find a Dermatologist (American Academy of Dermatology)
-
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Also in Spanish
Patient Handouts
- Corns and calluses (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.