Corns and calluses are hard, thick patches of skin that build up from friction over time. They may develop anywhere but most often affect the feet.

Corns
Corns are small, hard patches of skin usually located on the top or side of your toes. Types of corns include hard corns, soft corns, and seed corns.

Hard corns usually affect the top of the toe and develop from friction. Soft corns are found between the toes and are usually the result of misshapen toes. Seed corns are small, rough patches of skin that form on the bottom of the feet.

Calluses
Calluses are large, irregular, thick patches of skin. They most often affect the weight-bearing areas on the bottom of your feet, such as the heel, big toe, and side of your foot.

You are more likely to develop corns and calluses if you have a foot condition affecting normal alignment, such as a bunion, hammertoe, or arthritis. 

You may also have corns and calluses if you wear shoes that are too small for your feet or you walk around without socks on. 

Corns and calluses may not cause any problems, but as they grow larger, they may start to cause pain, especially corns.

Corns and calluses can get infected, leading to more severe pain that may affect your mobility. Foot infections are especially problematic for people with diabetes. 

If you have diabetes, you need diabetic foot care from the skilled podiatrists at Innovation Medical Group to treat your corns and calluses to prevent infections and other foot problems.

Treatment for corns and calluses may depend on the size, characteristics, and location of the rough patches of skin, as well as your medical history. At Innovation Medical Group, the team may trim the thickened skin or provide a medicated patch. 

The team talks to you about at-home care for treating your corns and calluses. This might include soaking your feet and using a pumice stone to file down the corn or callus.

Innovation Medical Group may also recommend custom-made orthotics or foot padding to prevent corns and calluses from developing in the first place. They also provide treatment for any underlying foot issue causing your corns and calluses, such as a bunion.