What are corns and callus?
Callus is a broad patch of thickened, hard skin. It builds up where your foot takes repeated pressure or friction — most often under the ball of the foot, on the heel and on the sides of the big toe.
A corn is a smaller, deeper area of hard skin with a dense core that presses into the tissue underneath. That core is why a corn can feel like a stone in your shoe. Hard corns usually form on the tops and tips of the toes; soft corns form between the toes, where the skin stays moist.
Cracked heels are a related problem: when the hard skin around the heel becomes thick and dry, it can split, and deep cracks can become painful or infected.
Common causes
- Shoes that are too tight, too loose or rub in one spot
- High heels and thin soles that push weight onto the ball of the foot
- Toe shapes such as bunions, hammer toes or claw toes
- Walking or standing for long periods
- Dry skin, particularly around the heels
How Achilles Podiatry can help
At your appointment Ian will look at where the hard skin is forming and why. The hard skin is then carefully pared away and any corns are enucleated — the core is removed — which is normally painless and often brings immediate relief.
You'll leave with practical advice on footwear, padding and skin care to reduce the pressure that caused the problem. Where foot mechanics are part of the cause, custom Foot Levelers insoles can help spread the load more evenly.
Looking after your feet between appointments
- Moisturise heels and dry areas daily with a urea-based foot cream
- Use a foot file gently on dry skin — never cut corns or callus yourself
- Avoid medicated corn plasters, which contain acid that can damage healthy skin
- Choose shoes with room for your toes and a cushioned sole
When to get help sooner
If you have diabetes or poor circulation, don't treat corns or callus yourself. Book in with a podiatrist, and see your GP promptly if the skin breaks, bleeds, or becomes red, hot or swollen. See our diabetic foot care page for more.
Common questions
Does corn removal hurt?
Corn and callus removal is normally painless. The hard skin itself has no nerve endings, and most people find their foot feels more comfortable straight away.
Will my corns come back?
Corns and callus can return if the pressure that caused them continues. Footwear changes, padding and, where needed, custom insoles help reduce how quickly they come back.
Can I use corn plasters?
Medicated corn plasters contain salicylic acid, which can burn the healthy skin around a corn. They are best avoided, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.