Corns & Calluses

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop to protect that area from irritation. They occur when something rubs against the foot repeatedly or causes excess pressure against part of the foot.

The term callus commonly is used if the thickening of skin occurs on the bottom of the foot, and if thickening occurs on the top of the foot (or toe), it’s called a corn.

However, the location of the thickened skin is less important than the pattern of thickening: flat, widespread skin thickening indicates a callus, and skin lesions that are thicker or deeper indicate a corn. Corns and calluses are not contagious but may become painful if they get too thick.

In people with diabetes or decreased circulation, they can lead to more serious foot problems.

Corns often occur when a toe rubs against the interior of a shoe.

Excessive pressure at the balls of the feet—common in women who regularly wear high heels—may cause calluses to develop on the balls of the feet.

People with certain deformities of the foot, such as hammer toes, are prone to corns and calluses.

Corns and calluses typically have a rough, dull appearance. They may be raised or rounded, and they can be hard to differentiate from warts. Corns or calluses sometimes cause pain.