Foot calluses are areas of thick, hard skin that form where the foot is repeatedly rubbed or pressed. They are the skin's way of protecting itself. A thin callus is useful and needs no treatment. A thick one can become uncomfortable, crack or hide a problem underneath. Gentle, regular care keeps calluses in check, and dealing with the cause stops them from coming back.
Callus or corn?
| Callus | Corn | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks like | A wide, flat patch of thick, yellowish skin | A small, round, raised bump with a hard center |
| Where | Soles, especially the heel and the ball of the foot; side of the big toe | Tops and sides of toes; between toes (soft corns) |
| Feels | Rough; usually painless, or a dull ache | Often painful when pressed |
| Cause | Pressure spread over an area | Pressure concentrated on a small point |
Both come from friction and pressure. A verruca, or plantar wart, can look similar. It usually has tiny black dots, hurts when squeezed from the sides and interrupts the skin lines.
Why calluses form
- Shoes that are too tight, too loose or too narrow.
- High heels, which push weight onto the ball of the foot.
- Thin soles, and walking barefoot.
- Going without socks.
- Long hours of standing, walking or running.
- The shape of the foot or toes, such as bunions and hammer toes.
- The way you walk.
Gentle care at home
1. Soften
Soak your feet in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes, or treat the callus after a bath or shower.
2. File lightly
Rub the callus with a pumice stone or foot file, in one direction or small circles, with light pressure. Remove a little at a time. Stop if the skin becomes pink or tender.
3. Moisturize
Apply a cream containing urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid to soften thick skin, or a rich plain moisturizer. Do this every day. See How to Moisturize Your Feet.
4. Cushion
Use soft pads, gel cushions or insoles to spread the pressure. Non-medicated pads are safest.
5. Repeat
File two or three times a week and moisturize daily. Calluses reduce gradually over a few weeks.
Fix the cause
A callus returns unless the pressure changes.
- Have both feet measured, and buy shoes that fit the larger foot.
- Choose a wide toe box, a low heel and a cushioned sole.
- Wear socks that fit well, without thick seams.
- Use insoles if you stand all day. See Foot Care for Walking, Work, and Exercise.
- Keep toenails trimmed. See Toenail Care: Trimming and Hygiene Tips.
What not to do
- Do not cut, shave or pick at calluses or corns. Blades cause wounds and infection.
- Do not remove all the hard skin. A thin layer protects the foot.
- Be careful with medicated corn pads and acid treatments. They contain salicylic acid, which can damage healthy skin around the callus. They are not suitable for people with diabetes, poor circulation or fragile skin.
- Do not ignore pain.
When to see a podiatrist or doctor
Get professional advice if:
- You have diabetes, heart disease, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet. Do not treat calluses or corns yourself.
- A callus or corn is painful, bleeding, discolored or has fluid or pus.
- It has not improved after about three weeks of home care.
- You are unsure whether it is a callus, a corn or a wart.
- Hard skin keeps returning in the same place.
A podiatrist can pare hard skin painlessly, provide padding or custom insoles and check how you walk.
Calluses and cracked heels
Thick, dry callus around the heel can split. Keeping it thin and moisturized prevents fissures. See Cracked Heels: Care Tips and When to Get Help.
Prevention summary
- Wear shoes that fit, and socks.
- Moisturize your feet daily.
- File hard skin gently once a week, before it builds up.
- Cushion pressure points.
- Check your feet regularly.
A home pedicure is a good moment for this care. See How to Do a Pedicure at Home.
Related on ArniSun
- Cracked Heels: Care Tips and When to Get Help
- How to Moisturize Your Feet
- How to Do a Pedicure at Home
- Foot Care for Walking, Work, and Exercise
- Toenail Care: Trimming and Hygiene Tips
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad to remove calluses?
Reducing thick, uncomfortable calluses gently is fine. Removing them completely, or cutting them, leaves the skin unprotected and can cause injury.
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
A callus is a broad patch of thick skin, usually painless. A corn is a small, concentrated plug of hard skin, often on a toe, that tends to hurt when pressed.
Why do my calluses keep coming back?
The pressure or friction that caused them is still there. Check your shoes, add cushioning and consider seeing a podiatrist about how your foot bears weight.