What are Corns and Calluses?

If your skin experiences pressure or friction on a regular basis, you might develop a corn or callus. Corns and calluses can develop anywhere on your body, but they’re especially common on your feet and toes, usually as a result of wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes or socks.

They might also develop due to irregularities affecting your feet, such as bunions, hammertoes, or bumps caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Other factors can also contribute to corns and calluses, including flatfeet and bone spurs, or pressure caused by an abnormal gait.

Many times, eliminating the source of friction is enough to ease your symptoms. However, if you have diabetes or another condition that affects your circulation, corns and calluses may lead to an infection or more serious health problems.

What are the Symptoms of Corns and Calluses?

Corns and calluses are easy to spot. Telltale signs include:

• A thick, raised area of skin
• A hardened or rough bump
• Tenderness or pain that affects your skin
• Waxy or dry skin

Over time, a corn or callus might also start flaking or shed layers of skin.