Corns And Calluses: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Corns And Calluses?
A primary care doctor can often treat corns and calluses. A podiatrist, a foot doctor, or a dermatologist, a skin doctor, can also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin. They are caused by repeated pressure or friction at the spot where they develop.
A corn is thickened skin on the top or side of a toe. A callus is thickened skin on your hands or the soles of your feet.
The thickening is a protective reaction. They develop naturally to help protect the skin underneath.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Skin that is thick and hardened.
- Skin that may be flaky and dry.
- Hard, thick skin on hands, feet, or other areas that get rubbed or pressed.
- Areas that can be painful and may bleed.
Corns can be hard and dry or soft and mushy.
Causes and who gets it
Both are caused by pressure or friction on the skin. Most of the time a corn is caused by bad-fitting shoes. Arthritis is another common cause of corns.
Calluses can form anywhere there is repeated friction, such as a guitar player's fingertips or a mechanic's palms. People with bunions often get a callus over the bunion because it rubs against the shoe.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider will make the diagnosis by looking at your skin. In most cases, tests are not needed.
Treatment
Preventing friction is often the only treatment needed. Corns and calluses often go away on their own when the friction or pressure stops.
These steps may help:
- Wear shoes that fit well.
- Soak the corn or callus in warm water for about five to 10 minutes.
- Gently file it with a pumice stone.
- Do not take off too much skin, because that can cause bleeding and infection.
- Use a moisturizing lotion or cream every day.
- Use padding, such as a donut-shaped pad around a corn.
- Keep your toenails trimmed.
- Wear gloves during activities that cause friction, such as gardening.
If a callus comes from another problem, such as a bunion or hammertoe, treating that problem should keep the callus from returning.
If an infection or ulcer occurs, a provider may need to remove the tissue. You may need antibiotics.
When to see a doctor
Corns and calluses may be painful but are not serious for most people. Call your provider if you have signs of infection or trouble.
- You have diabetes and notice problems with your feet.
- Your corn or callus is not getting better with treatment.
- You have pain, redness, warmth, or drainage from the area.
See a doctor if you have diabetes, if the hardened skin is very painful, or if you are not sure what is causing it.
People with diabetes or nerve problems in the toes are prone to ulcers and infections, and foot injuries need medical attention.
Do not try to shave off a corn or callus, to avoid infection.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look at the skin, check your feet, and help you manage diabetes or foot problems. They can refer you to a foot doctor if you need one.
Common questions
Are corns and calluses serious?
No, they are not serious for most people. They may be painful.
Do corns and calluses go away?
Yes, most do when the friction or pressure stops.
Can I shave off a corn or callus?
No. To avoid infection, do not try to shave it off.
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
A corn is thickened skin on the top or side of a toe. A callus is thickened skin on your hands or the soles of your feet.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Corns and Calluses
- MedlinePlus - Corns and Calluses (Medical Encyclopedia)
- American Academy of Dermatology - How to Treat Corns and Calluses
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
