Overview
Symptoms
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.
Causes
Corns and calluses develop from repeated friction, rubbing or irritation and pressure on the skin. The most common cause is wearing shoes that don’t fit properly.
Treatment
- Use insoles or special cushioning pads
- Regularly use a pumice stone or foot file to remove hard skin
- Moisturise to help keep skin soft
- Take pain relief if necessary
You can buy pumice stones and foot files, special foot moisturisers, pads, insoles and pain relief in the pharmacy.
Do not try to treat corns and calluses yourself if you have diabetes, heart disease or problems with your circulation. These conditions can make foot problems more serious. See a GP or podiatrist.