Corn and calluses refer to common skin lesions which appear as hard and thickened skin patches. It is important to distinguish between these two terms: corn is painful and inflamed, while callus is painless.

Skin’s response to pressure and friction is what causes corns and calluses. Due to repetitive injury, the skin is trying to protect itself from possible blistering. As a result, more basal epidermal cells get formed, which leads to both thicker stratum corneum and prickle cell layer.

Hands or feet are the most common sites of corns and calluses. However, other body sites can be affected as well. For example, corns and calluses can appear on knuckle(s) from pushing oneself from a wheelchair, on palms from holding a hammer or racquet, on the ball of the feet from running barefoot, or on a side of the foot due to wearing tight shoes.

The most important thing to prevent corn and callus is to minimize pressure on the affected skin area. It is recommended to choose comfortable, flat, and well-fitting shoes. Leather gloves may be used when doing tasks that cause frequent injuries. In order to reduce friction, a protective corn plaster or cushion may be used to apply pressure more evenly around the affected skin site. Pressure can also be relieved by separating toes by using moleskin, soft cotton, or lamb’s wool.

Skin thickness can be reduced by pumice, pile, or sandpaper. Prior to this, the skin should be soaked in warm water for at least 10 minutes. The central core can be removed by a specially designed corn trimmer. Additionally, heel balms or keratolytic creams that contain lactic acid, salicylic acid, or urea.

For easing the discomfort of painful cracks,  it is recommended to apply a thick, lubricating ointments (e.g., petroleum jelly), seal the surface with adhesive (e.g., nail glue to Liquid Bandage), or use antibiotic ointment if there is an infection.

It is highly suggested to visit podiatrist after being diagnosed with callus or corn on the foot.

In severe cases, a protruding bone may be surgically removed by an orthopaedic surgeon.