Medical expert of the article
New publications
Corns and corns
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Corns (Tylomas; Helomas; Clavi) are localized areas of hyperkeratosis that occur due to pressure or friction. Corns are superficial lesions and are asymptomatic; calluses are deeper lesions that can be very painful. The appearance of the lesions is important for diagnosis. Keratolytic agents and manual cleaning are sometimes used for treatment. Changing footwear is necessary for disease prevention.
Corns and calluses are caused by constant pressure or friction, usually on bony prominences (such as the heels and metatarsal heads). Corns are a pronounced keratinized surface, the size of a pea or slightly larger, that forms a plug in all layers of the dermis. Adventitial bursitis may develop. Hard corns form on bony prominences, especially on the toes and soles, while soft corns form between the toes. Most often, the disorder is caused by poorly fitting shoes, but formations on non-pressure surfaces of the sole or on the palms may be due to congenital genodermatosis.
With calluses, there is no central plug and accompanying changes in the dermis. Calluses usually form on the palms and feet, but can also occur on other parts of the body, especially in people whose activities cause constant trauma to certain areas (for example: the lower jaw and collarbone in violinists).
[ How do calluses and corns appear?
Corns are usually asymptomatic, but with strong friction a burning sensation occurs, which can be similar to the burning sensation of interdigital neuralgia.
Corns are sensitive and painful when pressed, and sometimes pockets filled with fluid may form underneath them.
Corns should be differentiated from plantar warts and calluses by removing the keratinized skin. After cleaning, corns leave marks at the site, while warts have clearly defined borders and sometimes maceration of the tissue or black (bleeding) dots in the center due to blockage of capillaries. Corns leave pronounced yellowish or brown lesions after cleaning, which prevents the formation of the dermis. Interdigital neuralgia can be excluded if there is no pain on palpation.
Treatment of corns and calluses
Despite the inevitability of mechanical pressure in the area of the feet, its intensity should still be reduced. For lesions on the feet, the correct selection of footwear is important: the toes should move freely, which is often impossible when wearing fashionable shoes, which should be abandoned. Soft pads and rings of the required size, protective bandages, arched inserts, metatarsal plates can be used to redistribute the pressure. For calluses and corns on the instep, orthopedic devices must be used. Surgical intervention is rarely required.
Using a nail file or pumice stone immediately after bathing is one way to remove tissue hyperkeratosis. Keratolytic agents (eg 17% salicylic acid in collodion solution or 40% salicylic acid patch) can also be used; healthy skin areas should be lubricated with petroleum jelly and avoid contact with keratolytic agents.
How to prevent calluses and corns?
Patients prone to foot diseases, especially those with impaired peripheral circulation and concomitant diabetes, need to visit an orthopedic doctor regularly.