Corns

Skip Navigation
Hard and soft corns on toes.

Corns are areas of thick, hardened, dead skin. They form to protect the skin and structures under the skin from pressure, friction, and injury. A corn may have a yellow ring with a gray center. Or it may look darker than the nearby skin. It may feel bumpy. And it may hurt or be less sensitive to the touch than the surrounding skin.

Corns are usually found where toes rub together. A soft corn is found between toes (usually between the fourth and fifth toes), while a hard corn is often found over a bony part of a toe (usually on the fifth toe).

Current as of: March 22, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Barry L. Scurran DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Gavin W.G. Chalmers DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Lesley Ryan MD - Family Medicine

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.