The Mayo Clinic characterizes both corns and calluses as thick, hardened layers of skin. They often develop as a result of friction and pressure placed on the skin from improper footwear or repetitive motions. Corns typically develop on the toes while calluses grow on the soles of the feet or palms of the hand. Treatment isn't necessary unless they cause discomfort or pain.
Step 1
Change footwear. Both corns and calluses can lessen in size by changing footwear, advises the Mayo Clinic. When selecting shoes, make sure they don't pinch, slip or rub on the foot, especially those areas suffering from corns and calluses. Also, choose cushioned shoes. You should see an improvement in a matter of weeks.
Step 2
Invest in shoe inserts. Shoe inserts help take the pressure off areas of the feet when shoes lack the support necessary to prevent corns or calluses. By eliminating the source of friction or pressure, the corns and calluses disappear, explains the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Purchase pads. The National Institutes of Health recommends purchasing donut-shaped pads for corns or calluses. By placing the pad along the area of the skin with a corn or callus, you help to eliminate the source of friction or pressure, much like shoe inserts. Once the source is removed, the corn or callus disappears.
Step 4
Soak your feet. The Mayo Clinic suggests soaking your feet in warm water to soften the corns and calluses. Follow the footbath by gently rubbing a pumice stone on the hardened patches of skin.
Step 5
Consult your doctor if self-care measures fail to provide results. Medical professionals can assess the corns or calluses to determine the proper approach to care. This may include a manual trimming of the hardened skin or the application of salicylic acid pads to help remove layers of skin gradually. The doctor might prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection.
Tips and Warnings
- For calluses on the hands, the National Institutes of Health suggest wearing gloves during activities that have caused the hardened areas of skin. If the corns or calluses are caused by foot deformities, you might need to have custom-made shoe inserts, says the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic also recommends applying a moisturizer to areas of the skin suffering from corns and calluses. Moisturizers help to keep the skin soft, helping to prevent the development of hardened layers of skin.
- The Mayo Clinic warns that corns and calluses in people with diabetes or other conditions that result in poor circulation to the fee can suffer other health complications from the thick, hardened patches of skin. The corn or callus may lead to a ulcer or infection, warns the National Institutes of Health. Make sure to regularly check your feet.
Things You'll Need
- Pads
- Shoe inserts
- Pumice stone
- Salicylic acid (optional)
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