Corns and calluses are hard or thick areas of skin. They’re not usually serious. Corns are small, centralised areas of hard skin, usually painful.
Callus is a thickened area of rough, hard skin.
They can be easily treated, and you can take steps to relieve the symptoms.
Don’t cut the corns or callus yourself.
Don’t apply corn plasters containing Salicylic acid or similar.
Don’t wear high heels or pointed shoes
Don’t go barefoot
Do soak corns and calluses in warm, salted water to soften them.
Do regularly use a pumice stone or foot file to remove hard skin.
Do wear thick, cushioned socks.
Do wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole that do not rub.
Do use soft insoles/heel pads in your shoes (or get a Podiatrist to make corrective insoles)
Do moisturise with a proper foot cream to help keep skin soft.
Do seek professional help if the pain is stopping your normal activities, especially if it gets red or inflamed (can lead to serious conditions / ulcers, especially diabetics).
They can debride (pare away) offending items and prevent infections.
