Corns and Calluses – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Corns and calluses form as protective, thick, hardened skin layers in response to friction or pressure. They typically develop on feet, toes, hands, and fingers.

For people in good health, these skin formations don’t need treatment unless they cause discomfort or are cosmetically concerning. Most corns and calluses naturally disappear once the source of friction or pressure is eliminated.

This natural healing process happens as the body no longer needs to protect itself from the irritant.

Signs and Symptoms

Corns and calluses show several noticeable signs on the skin. You might notice a rough, thickened patch of skin or a raised bump with a hardened texture.

These areas frequently exhibit tenderness or discomfort upon pressure. The affected skin may also appear flaky, dry, or waxy.

It’s important to understand the difference between corns and calluses:

Corns

  • Smaller and deeper than calluses
  • Have a hard center with swollen skin around it
  • Can be painful when pressed
  • Hard corns typically form on toe tops or the outer edge of the small toe
  • Soft corns usually develop between toes

Calluses

  • Usually painless
  • Develop on pressure points (heels, balls of feet, palms, knees)
  • Often larger than corns
  • Vary in size and shape

When to Get Medical Help

See a healthcare provider if your corn or callus becomes very painful or shows signs of inflammation. This is especially important for people with diabetes or poor circulation.

Don’t try to treat these conditions yourself if you have these health issues. Even small foot injuries can develop into infected open sores (ulcers) in people with these conditions. Prompt medical attention helps prevent serious complications.

What Causes Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses primarily form due to persistent friction and pressure on specific areas of the skin. Several common factors contribute to their formation:

Poorly Fitting Footwear

  • Tight shoes that squeeze the feet
  • Loose shoes that allow foot sliding
  • High heels that increase pressure on the front of the foot
  • Shoes with uncomfortable seams or stitching

Sock Issues

  • Wearing ill-fitting socks that bunch or rub
  • Going sockless in shoes or sandals increases skin friction

Repetitive Activities

Hand calluses commonly form from regular pressure during activities like:

  • Playing musical instruments (especially string instruments)
  • Using hand tools
  • Writing with pens or pencils for extended periods
  • Sports requiring hand grips (tennis, golf, weightlifting)

Genetic Factors

Some people inherit a tendency to develop certain types of corns, particularly keratosis punctata. This condition causes corns to form on non-weight-bearing areas like the palms and soles.

Foot deformities or abnormal walking can increase pressure on certain areas, causing corns and calluses to form.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of developing corns and calluses:

  • Footwear choices that create excess pressure or friction on feet.
  • Foot conditions like hammertoe or hallux valgus (which creates a bunion-like bump at the base of the big toe).
  • Genetic factors, especially for certain types of corns that form on non-weight-bearing areas like soles and palms (keratosis punctata).

The way your shoes fit plays a key role in corn and callus formation. Tight or poorly fitting shoes can cause painful skin thickenings as your body protects itself from pressure.

Health Risks

Diabetes or poor blood flow in the feet can make corns and calluses more dangerous. These conditions may slow healing and increase infection risk.

People with these health issues should take extra care of their feet and see a doctor for foot problems.

Prevention

Preventing corns and calluses is easier than treating them. Here are some helpful tips:

Choose Comfortable Shoes

  • Look for shoes with enough toe room
  • Make sure you can wiggle your toes freely
  • Have tight spots professionally stretched
  • Shop for shoes late in the day when your feet are most swollen
  • Wear your orthotics or inserts during shoe fittings

Use Protective Barriers

  • Apply felt pads over areas that rub
  • Try nonmedicated corn pads or bandages
  • Place toe separators between toes that rub
  • Use lamb’s wool as a soft cushion between toes

Protect Your Hands

  • Wear padded gloves when using tools
  • Add cloth tape or covers to tool handles to reduce friction

Related Questions

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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.