Foot Corns or Calluses

A foot corn is a small, raised, round bump that consists of hardened layers of dead skin. Corns typically form on the tops and sides of the toes, the areas that tend to experience pressure and friction from wearing shoes. However, corns can also form on the soles of the feet in some cases. Corns on the foot are often tender to the touch, and they can be painful when they press against shoes.

There are three different types of corns:

• Hard corns are the most common type of corn. They are hard to the touch and contain a dense center. They typically form on the tops of the toes.

• Soft corns typically form between the toes. Unlike hard corns, soft corns are spongy and pliable. They are often white or gray in color.

• Seed corns tend to be very small. They typically form on the bottoms of the feet, often in groups or clusters.

In order to remove a corn from the foot, follow these steps:

1. Soak the foot in warm water for several minutes in order to soften the corn.

2. Gently exfoliate the top layers of the corn using a pumice stone or a foot file. 

3. Repeat regularly until the corn is gone.

It’s important not to remove too much of the corn at once as this could cause irritation. 

You can also remove a foot corn using a salicylic-acid treatment product. Dr. Scholl’s® Corn Removers consist of a two-part treatment system. Medicated discs gently eliminate corns while cushions reduce pain from pressure when wearing shoes. The cushions fit over the discs, creating a protective covering. The cushions are water resistant and designed to stay in place all day. They fit easily into shoes without crowding the toes.

You might also consider Dr. Scholl’s® Liquid Corn & Callus Remover. This product includes a liquid salicylic acid treatment along with cushions to help shield and protect painful corns during treatment.

If you have diabetes, consult with your doctor before attempting to remove a foot corn.

Foot corns typically look like a raised, small and round bump. They most commonly develop on the tops or sides of the toes. The skin surrounding the corn may appear inflamed in some cases. 

Hard corns, the most common type of foot corn, usually form on the tops of the toes. They have a hard center. 

Tiny corns called seed corns typically form on the soles of the feet. As the name suggests, seed corns resemble seeds, and they often form in clusters. 

Soft corns, which tend to form between the toes, often appear white or gray.

Never try to dig a corn out of your foot. You can injury yourself and risk infection if you aggressively try to remove a corn. If you want to remove a corn from your foot, focus on eliminating the layers of dead skin gradually. You can do this with either manual or chemical exfoliation.

If you choose to exfoliate your corn manually, start by soaking it in warm water for several minutes and then gently file it with a pumice stone or a pedicure file. Avoid removing too much of the corn at once as this can cause discomfort. It’s best to exfoliate a little at a time.

Chemical exfoliation involves the use of a salicylic acid treatment. Salicylic acid breaks down the proteins in the layers of dead skin that make up the corn. Dr. Scholl’s® Corn Removers Soft Felt Pads feature a salicylic acid treatment disc along with a felt pad to help reduce pressure on the corn. The easy and convenient system can remove corns in as little as two treatments.

Foot corns typically form due to pressure and friction. The most common culprit is ill-fitted shoes. If shoes don’t fit properly, they can compress or rub against the feet. When this occurs, the body may form a corn in order to protect lower layers of skin and the underlying bone. Certain factors can increase the risk of foot corns, including:

• Wearing shoes without socks

• Going barefoot

• Certain foot deformities such as hammertoe and bunions

• Prolonged physical activity that puts pressure on the feet