Corns and Calluses: Care Instructions

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Overview

Corns and calluses are areas of thick, hard skin. They form to protect the skin from injury. They may form wherever the skin rubs against something, such as shoes.

  • Calluses often form on the hands or feet. A callus is hard, dry, and thick. It may look grayish or yellowish. It may be less sensitive to the touch than surrounding skin.
  • Corns usually form where toes rub together. A hard corn is firm with a thick core. A soft corn can look like an open sore.

In most cases, you can take steps at home to care for a corn or callus.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Wear shoes and socks that fit well. This will reduce rubbing and give corns or calluses time to heal.
  • Use protective pads, such as moleskin, to cushion the callus or corn.
  • Soak your corn or callus in warm water, and then use a pumice stone to rub the thickened skin away.
  • Use an over-the-counter callus-removing product, such as one that contains salicylic acid or urea. These products come in creams, ointments, gels, and patches.
  • Talk to your doctor before you try any home treatment if you have a condition that causes problems with blood flow or loss of feeling in your feet. Examples include diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and peripheral neuropathy.
  • Wash your feet regularly, and rub lotion into your feet while they are still moist. Dry skin can cause a callus to crack and bleed.
  • Never cut the corn or callus yourself. This is even more important/ if you have problems with blood flow to your legs or feet or a problem with numbness in your feet.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have signs of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the corn or callus.
    • Red streaks leading from the corn or callus.
    • Pus draining from the corn or callus.
    • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.