Corns and calluses

You mostly get corns and calluses on your feet, toes and hands.

If you have diabetes, problems with your circulation, a weakened immune system, or are an older person, do not try to treat corns and calluses yourself.

These conditions can make foot problems more serious. See a GP or foot specialist.

Corns and calluses are not often serious.

There are some things you can try to get rid of them yourself and stop them coming back.

Do

  • wear thick, cushioned socks

  • wear wide, well-fitting, supportive shoes with a low heel and soft sole that do not rub

  • use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes

  • soak corns and calluses in warm water to soften them

  • regularly use a pumice stone or foot file to remove hard skin

  • moisturise to help keep skin soft

Don't

  • do not try to cut off corns or calluses yourself

  • do not walk long distances or stand for long periods

  • do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes

You can ask a pharmacist about:

  • heel pads, corn plasters or toe separators, and insoles
  • products to treat corns and calluses
  • different types of pain relief

Find a pharmacy

You should see a GP if you get additional symptoms or you do not get any improvement after 3 weeks of treating a corn or callus yourself.

You should also see a GP if you have any issues that could make a foot problem more serious, like diabetes.

See a GP if:

You think you have a corn or callus and:

  • you have diabetes
  • you have problems with your circulation or a weakened immune system
  • it bleeds, or has any pus or discharge
  • it has not improved after treating it at home for 3 weeks
  • the pain is severe or stopping you doing your normal activities

A GP can check if you have a corn or callus.

They might:

  • give you antibiotics if a corn or callus is infected
  • refer you to a foot specialist if they think you need further treatment

Treatment from a foot specialist

A foot specialist, such as a podiatrist, may be able to offer treatments such as:

  • cutting away the corn or callus
  • patches or creams to help soften the hard skin so it can be removed
  • specially made soft pads or insoles to take pressure off the painful area of your foot

Referral to a podiatrist on the NHS may not be available to everyone and waiting times can be long. You can pay to see a podiatrist privately.

Find a podiatrist

Self-refer to a podiatrist

If you have corns or calluses, you might be able to refer yourself directly to a podiatrist without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure or rubbing of the skin on the hands or feet.

For example, from:

  • wearing high heels, uncomfortable shoes or shoes that are the wrong size
  • a problem with the bones in your feet
  • losing fat on the bottom of your feet as you get older
  • not wearing socks with shoes
  • lifting heavy weights
  • playing a musical instrument