The lowdown on corns and calluses

Unless you have a bit of a foot fetish, you can probably agree that feet are a little gross. They get sweaty and smelly and sometimes weird gunk collects between your toes.
Anyway, the point is that there are enough things that can be a little bit embarrassing about our feet, so why add to it by throwing corns and calluses in the mix?
Here are some fast facts about them, as well as how you can prevent and treat them.
What’s the difference between corns and calluses?
Both corns and calluses are areas of thickened, hardened skin on the feet that have been created by pressure at that point.
Corns are a bit smaller than calluses have usually have a hard centre surrounded by inflamed skin. They usually form on the parts of your feet that don’t actually bear any weight – like the tips and sides of your toes and in between your toes.
Calluses typically develop on the soles of your feet – usually under the heels or balls of your feet – and are bigger than corns
What causes corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses occur as a defence mechanism to strengthen your skin in areas that are experiencing consistent rubbing or pressure. Things like shoes that don’t fit properly and rub against your foot (FYI: high heels are actually your worst enemy when it comes to corns and calluses) and even not wearing socks to protect your skin can cause the skin to thicken. They can also occur if you’re not walking properly and putting excessive pressure on the heels or balls of your feet.
How do I treat corns and calluses?
First up, NEVER try and cut them off yourself. That can end in disaster. You can, however, try to (very gently!) file down the area using the Scholl Corn & Callus File. This will help soften really hardened skin and leave the area a bit smoother. Just make sure you do it after a bath or shower when your skin is soft. Or better yet, soak your feet in some Billie Goat Soap Peppermint Foot Soak to really soften and prepare the skin for exfoliation. Follow your filing with a really nourishing foot cream like Nutri-Synergy NS 8 Foot & Leg Moisturiser.
You can use targeted pads, like Scholl Corn Removal Pads and Callus Removal Pads, to treat the thickened areas. The pads contain fast-acting medicated discs not only help treat the area quickly, but they help to cushion and protect it, too – meaning that further rubbing won’t cause any dramas.
While you’re treating your corns and calluses, make sure your shoes fit well and your feet are cushioned by socks.
However, if you’re really suffering, it’s best to see your doctor or a podiatrist.
How can I prevent corns and calluses?
Wearing shoes that fit you comfortably is the best, um, step you can take to prevent those pesky corns and calluses from forming. Your shoes shouldn’t be pressing on the outside of your small toe or pushing your fourth and fifth toes together. Your rule of thumb: make sure you can comfortably wiggle your toes.
If your toes do tend to press together, you can use Scholl Foam Toe Separators to keep those tootsies apart.
Have you ever suffered from corns or calluses? Do you have any tips for treatment and prevention?
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66 Member Comments
Well fitting shoes are a must. I've had cheap ones that hurt and end up throwing them away anyway.
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Interesting article.
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Great tips, Lucky for me I've never had this problem but I saw this bloke once in the street while I was waiting for the bus home this was years ago & his feet were like this, It was such a disgusting thing to look at obviously this bloke had poor hygiene & worst part about he didn't seem to care about his appearance. I like people who take care of themselves not just let themselves go & don't care.
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I have got a small corn on each foot. I gave up trying to get rid of them and eventually they don't really bother me anymore
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My big toes get a lot of hard skin, so I try to use products every day
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I have got corns on the sides of my feet...even though I don't wear heels. I guess I will have to moisturize my feet more....I admit I am lazy at that! Come on...who has time for that:((
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Dancing and pointe work in particular have left my feet battered, bruised and horrific to look at :( I might try out a foot file though
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I rarely get calluses but I try to treat them early so I don't feel depressed looking at my feet.
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Good information. Thanks
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I was getting corns on the side of my feet, where there was no pressure, and also on my instep, again no pressure. I needed to seek treatment every two months. At $75 a visit this was becoming expensive. The podiatrist suggested it may be caused by dry skin. After regularly moisturising my feet morning and night the corns have not reappeared.
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I don't get either but my Mum suffers from both so they give her problems with her feet.
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I've had corns in the past due to new shoes, but it's been a long time - I think I'm just more careful buying shoes now I'm older & making sure I only buy ones that really fit me well
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Great artlicle. Now I know the difference between a corn and calluses
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Thanks. This article has really helped
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I haven't had a corn for years and years, I used to get them occasionally when I was wearing high heels and court shoes to work all the time ... now I'm in runners and flats most of the time and my feet much prefer it!
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I wear work boots and my little toes always come out at the end of the day so white. But this info was good just to know the difference.
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I need a good foot scrub for my corns. Any suggestions
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I very recently had a painful corn in between my toes. Scholl products really helped me out - hmmm- that reminds me I have some more products to review!
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Ditto to the calluses; and they hurt!!! Sometimes so unbearable that I am in actual pain post shoes off (heals daily, but I try to wear trainers, thongs and flats). I try to use a pummus rock daily and a home pedi every 2 weeks... Could I just have bad feet???
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Ill fitting shoes have given me calluses in the past, but I'm more into sensible comfortable shoes these days.
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Interesting... seems I have a calluse on each foot.
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