Corns and Calluses

What are Corns and Calluses?

Corns and calluses are areas of thick, hard skin that can develop on your feet, hands, or fingers. The main difference between corns and calluses is their size and shape. Corns are small and round, usually found on toes, while calluses are larger and more irregularly shaped, often on the bottom of your feet or hands where there is repeated pressure or friction. It is normal to have some callus formation on the bottom of your feet. These rough patches can also occur on the hands of people who engage in activities that cause rubbing or friction.

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Corns and Calluses Treatment

Calluses

At Pinnacle Podiatry, we can easily take care of your callus by removing the thickened skin. However, to prevent it from returning every 4-8 weeks, it's important to address the cause of the callus. In addition to removing the callus, our podiatrists may suggest the following treatments:

  • Using a special foot balm to nourish and moisturise the skin, containing urea for extra effectiveness.
  • Take the pressure off the high-friction areas with appropriate footwear, custom insoles, strapping, and an exercise program to improve foot function.



Corns

Treating a corn is similar to treating a callus, and our podiatrists may recommend a combination of treatments including the removal of the core of the corn with a scalpel in-clinic.


We advise against trying to remove corns or calluses yourself, as it can lead to pain, infection, and scarring. Let our professional team take care of it for you.

FAQS

Here are answers to some common questions about corns and calluses. 

  • What is calluses and corns?

    Calluses are those tough, thick patches of skin that often pop up on your hands and feet. They form in areas where there's a lot of friction or pressure, which causes your body to thicken the skin in order to protect it from irritation or damage. While calluses aren't usually painful, they can become uncomfortable if they're constantly under pressure or rubbing against something. Plus, they can make it hard for your shoes to fit properly.


    And what about corns? Like calluses, corns are caused by pressure or friction, but they're a bit different. Corns are smaller and have a painful core in the centre, surrounded by inflamed skin. As they grow bigger and thicker, they can become more painful, especially if they're on weight-bearing areas like the soles of your feet. There are also soft corns that can develop between toes where the skin stays damp. These are softer and lighter in colour.

  • What is the difference between corn and callus?

    Corns are small and round, usually found on toes, while calluses are larger and more irregularly shaped, often on the bottom of your feet or hands where there is repeated pressure or friction.

  • How to treat corns and calluses?

    To treat foot corns and calluses, our team of expert podiatrists will remove the thickened skin and recommend clients use a foot balm to moisturise the skin and take pressure off the high-friction area with appropriate footwear, custom insoles and strapping.