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How do I Treat Corns and Calluses?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Corns and calluses are thickened patches that develop on a person's skin. They typically develop where the skin has been subject to significant and repeated pressure and friction. People may take steps to treat corns and calluses at home with soaks, moisturizers, and protective pads. Sometimes chemical preparations may be used to eat away at the toughened skin as well. To have corns or calluses safely removed or trimmed, however, a person must seek the help of a doctor.

While both corns and calluses are thick, rough spots on skin, they differ from each other in important ways. Calluses form when the body thickens areas of skin that are frequently under pressure and subject to friction. They may occur not only on the hands, but also on the feet. In contrast, corns form on the feet, not on the hands, and typically present as cone- or bulb-shaped masses of thickened skin on the toes or between the toes. Left untreated, both of these conditions may become painful.

A pumice stone, which can be used to remove calluses.
A pumice stone, which can be used to remove calluses.

Preventing corns and calluses is far preferable to treating them. An individual may prevent corns and calluses on the feet by avoiding overly tight shoes. He may also prevent them by wearing socks with shoes, as bare feet that are allowed to rub against shoes may be more vulnerable to corns and calluses. Additionally, a person may prevent these conditions by having foot deformities corrected. Wearing gloves and using moisturizers regularly may help to prevent hand calluses as well.

Using lotion regularly can help prevent corns and calluses.
Using lotion regularly can help prevent corns and calluses.

An individual may treat corns and calluses at home by soaking the affected areas regularly and using a good moisturizer. Exfoliating may help as well. Wearing protective padding inside of one’s shoes may be good for cutting down on friction that contributes to the development of thickened areas. Some people also use over-the-counter remedies that contain chemicals that work to eat away at the roughened patches. It is usually best to seek a doctor’s advice before using these products, however, as they may prove damaging to the skin.

Calluses may be caused by ill fitting shoes.
Calluses may be caused by ill fitting shoes.

For the most effective treatment of corns and calluses, a person may do well to visit a doctor or podiatrist for assistance. A medical professional may recommend a topical medication for treating these thickened areas of skin. In sever or chronic cases, a doctor or podiatrist may perform surgery to remove stubborn calluses. Likewise, a doctor or podiatrist may provide treatment for corns, trimming them down to a more comfortable level. Individuals are usually advised against attempting to remove calluses or trim corns on their own, as doing so may lead to infection.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • A pumice stone, which can be used to remove calluses.
      By: dimasobko
      A pumice stone, which can be used to remove calluses.
    • Using lotion regularly can help prevent corns and calluses.
      By: michelangelus
      Using lotion regularly can help prevent corns and calluses.
    • Calluses may be caused by ill fitting shoes.
      By: naka
      Calluses may be caused by ill fitting shoes.
    • A callus may be defined as a patch of hard, rough skin that may develop due to friction.
      By: Quinn Dombrowski
      A callus may be defined as a patch of hard, rough skin that may develop due to friction.
    • Corns and calluses may be treated at home by soaking the affected areas in warm water.
      By: Tandem
      Corns and calluses may be treated at home by soaking the affected areas in warm water.
    • Regularly using a pumice stone can keep feet free of calluses.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Regularly using a pumice stone can keep feet free of calluses.
    • If a callus or corn is uncomfortable, it may wise to consult a podiatrist.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      If a callus or corn is uncomfortable, it may wise to consult a podiatrist.