Corns and calluses - Treating corns and calluses

Treating painful corns and calluses involves removing the cause of the pressure or friction and getting rid of the thickened skin.

You may be advised to wear comfortable flat shoes instead of high-heeled shoes. If calluses develop on the hands, wearing protective gloves when you do repetitive tasks will give the affected area time to heal.

If you're not sure what's causing a corn or callus, see your GP. They may refer you to a podiatrist (also called a chiropodist). Podiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating foot problems. They will examine the affected area and recommend appropriate treatment.

See below for more information about podiatry and how to access it on the NHS.

Hard skin removal

A podiatrist may cut away some of the thickened skin using a sharp blade called a scalpel. This will help relieve the pressure on the tissue underneath.

Do not try to cut the corn or callus yourself. You could make it more painful and it might become infected. You can use a pumice stone or foot file to rub down skin that is getting thick.

Read more about preventing corns and calluses.

Foot care products

Pharmacies sell a range of products that allow thick, hard skin to heal and excessive pressure to be redistributed. Ask your GP, podiatrist or pharmacist to recommend the right product for you.

Examples of products that can be used to treat corns and calluses include:

special rehydration creams for thickened skin
protective corn plasters
customised soft padding or foam insoles
small foam wedges that are placed between the toes to help relieve soft corns
special silicone wedges that change the position of your toes or redistribute pressure

Salicylic acid

Some over-the-counter products used to treat corns and calluses may contain salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is used to help soften the top layer of dead skin so that it can be easily removed. The products are mild and should not cause any pain.

Salicylic acid products are available for direct application (such as a liquid or gel) or in medicated pads or plasters.

It is important to avoid products containing salicylic acid if you have:

a condition that causes problems with circulation, such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease or peripheral neuropathy
cracked or broken skin on or around the corn or callus
fragile skin

This is because there is an increased risk of damage to your skin, nerves and tendons.

Salicylic acid can sometimes damage the skin surrounding a corn or callus. You can use petroleum jelly or a plaster to cover the skin around the corn or callus.

Always read the instructions carefully before applying the product. Speak to your GP, podiatrist or pharmacist first if you are not sure which treatment is suitable.

Podiatry

Podiatry is available free of charge on the NHS in most areas of the UK. However, availability may vary depending on where you live.

Your case will be assessed individually, which may affect how long you will need to wait to be seen. For example, people with severe diabetes are often given priority because the condition can cause serious foot problems to develop.

If free NHS treatment is not available in your area, your GP can still refer you to a local clinic for private treatment, but you will have to pay.

If you decide to contact a podiatrist yourself, make sure they are fully qualified and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and that they are an accredited member of one of the following organisations: