Dermatology

Common Skin Disorders

Calluses and Corns

What are calluses and corns?

Calluses are protective pads made up of the thickened upper layer of skin due to repeated rubbing of the area. Corns are small calluses that develop on the top of the toes due to pressure or rubbing against shoes or other toes.

Treatment for calluses and corns:

Calluses are usually painless, but corns can be quite painful. Sometimes corns are confused with warts. Calluses can be avoided by removing the source of the rubbing and thinning the callus with a pumice stone. Treatment for corns may include:

applying pads around the corn area
wearing larger, more comfortable shoes
surgery

This page was last updated on: January 30, 2008.

For patient inquiries, call 1-800-492-5538 or click here to make an appointment.

Email this Page

Print this Page

© 2008 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved. UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. 1.800.492.5538 TDD: 1.800.735.2258
Physician Referral: 1.800.373.4111