Corns and callosities are thickened layers of skin caused by repeated friction, rubbing, or pressure. They commonly occur on the feet and hands. Proper footwear, hygiene, and care can help prevent and manage corns effectively.
Causes
Friction and pressure: Repeated friction, rubbing, or pressure on the skin, often from ill-fitting shoes, walking barefoot, or not wearing socks.
Activities: Using hand tools, sports equipment, or musical instruments without gloves, and frequent cycling or kneeling, can cause calluses on hands or feet.
Foot deformities: Conditions like bunions, hammer toes, or flat feet increase the risk.
Other factors: Older age, joint diseases, diabetes, and inherited tendencies can contribute.
Do’s
Wear properly fitting shoes: Ensure shoes have enough room for your toes and aren’t too tight or loose.
Use protective pads: Apply non-medicated corn pads, moleskin, or toe separators to reduce pressure and friction.
Soak and file: Soak the affected area in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then gently file with a pumice stone to remove dead skin.
Moisturize daily: Use creams with salicylic acid, urea, or ammonium lactate to soften hard skin.
Trim toenails regularly: Prevents toes from pressing against shoes and forming corns.
Wear gloves: When using tools or equipment that cause friction on hands.
Consult a healthcare provider: If corns or calluses persist, become painful, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
Don’ts
Don’t wear tight, high-heeled, or poorly fitting shoes: These increase friction and pressure.
Don’t go barefoot in risky environments: Especially on hard surfaces, to avoid thickening of skin.
Don’t cut or shave corns/calluses yourself: This can cause injury or infection; let a healthcare provider do it if needed.
Don’t ignore persistent pain or infection: Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Don’t use harsh chemicals carelessly: Over-the-counter treatments can damage healthy skin if not applied precisely, especially if you have diabetes.