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Corns and calluses are hard or thick areas of skin that can be painful. They're not often serious. There are things you can try to ease them yourself.
You mostly get corns and calluses on your feet, toes and hands.
Corns are small lumps of hard skin.
Calluses are larger patches of rough, thick skin.
If you have diabetes, heart disease or problems with your circulation, do not try to treat corns and calluses yourself.
These conditions can make foot problems more serious. See a GP or foot specialist.
Corns and calluses are not often serious.
There are some things you can try to get rid of them yourself and stop them coming back.
wear thick, cushioned socks
wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole that do not rub
use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes
soak corns and calluses in warm water to soften them
regularly use a pumice stone or foot file to remove hard skin
moisturise to help keep skin soft
do not try to cut off corns or calluses yourself
do not walk long distances or stand for long periods
do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes
do not go barefoot
You can ask a pharmacist about:
You think you have a corn or callus and:
A GP can check if you have a corn or callus.
They might:
A foot specialist, such as a podiatrist, may be able to offer treatments such as:
Referral to a podiatrist on the NHS may not be available to everyone and waiting times can be long. You can pay to see a podiatrist privately.
If you have corns or calluses, you might be able to refer yourself directly to a podiatrist without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
Corns and calluses are caused by pressure or rubbing of the skin on the hands or feet.
For example, from:
