Corns & Calluses Treatment
Corns and calluses are common areas of thickened skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction. While they are the body’s natural way of protecting the skin, they can become painful, uncomfortable, and make everyday activities such as walking difficult.
At our clinic, we provide safe, professional treatment to relieve pain, remove hard skin, and help prevent corns and calluses from returning.
What Are Corns?
A corn is a small, concentrated area of hard skin that usually develops over a bony prominence where pressure is greatest. Corns often have a hard centre that presses into the deeper layers of the skin, causing pain when walking or wearing shoes.
Common locations include:
- Tops and sides of the toes
- Between the toes (soft corns)
- Under the ball of the foot
What Are Calluses?
A callus is a broader area of thickened skin that forms where the foot experiences repeated pressure or rubbing. Unlike corns, calluses are generally larger and do not have a central core. They may not always be painful but can become cracked, uncomfortable, or lead to other foot problems if left untreated.
Calluses commonly develop on:
- The heels
- Balls of the feet
- Sides of the big toe
- Outer edge of the foot
What Causes Corns and Calluses?
Several factors can contribute to their development, including:
- Poorly fitting footwear
- High heels or narrow shoes
- Foot deformities such as bunions or hammer toes
- Walking or standing for long periods
- Changes in foot mechanics or gait
- Loss of natural cushioning beneath the feet with age
- Certain sporting or occupational activities
Symptoms
You may experience:
- Thick, hard skin
- Pain when walking or standing
- Tenderness over pressure points
- A burning or aching sensation
- Dry or cracked skin
- Discomfort when wearing shoes
Professional Treatment
Although corn plasters and home remedies are widely available, they are not suitable for everyone and can sometimes damage healthy skin—particularly for people with diabetes or poor circulation.
Our podiatrist will:
- Carefully assess the cause of the problem
- Safely remove corns and excess hard skin using sterile instruments
- Reduce pain and pressure
- Advise on footwear and self-care
- Recommend padding or orthoses where appropriate to reduce recurrence
Treatment is usually quick, comfortable, and provides immediate relief.
Preventing Corns and Calluses
To reduce the chance of them returning, we recommend:
- Wearing properly fitting, supportive footwear
- Avoiding shoes that create pressure points
- Moisturising your feet regularly to prevent dry skin
- Using cushioning or protective pads where advised
- Attending routine podiatry appointments if you are prone to recurring hard skin
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
You should seek professional advice if:
- Your corn or callus is painful
- It keeps coming back
- It becomes cracked or starts bleeding
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage
- You notice redness, swelling, or signs of infection
- Home treatment has not been effective
Corn and Callus FAQs
Can I cut a corn off myself?
No. Attempting to cut a corn or callus yourself can lead to injury or infection. Professional treatment is much safer and more effective.
Do corns grow back?
They can return if the underlying cause, such as pressure from footwear or foot structure, is not addressed. Identifying and reducing the source of pressure helps prevent recurrence.
Are corns and verrucas the same?
No. Corns are caused by pressure and friction, whereas verrucas are caused by a viral infection. Although they can sometimes look similar, they require different treatments.
Is treatment painful?
Most patients experience little discomfort during treatment and notice immediate relief afterwards.
Book an Appointment in Worthing
Arrange your appointment online through our booking system or contact the clinic.