Corns and calluses are patches of thickened skin.
They can occur anywhere on the body but are mostly found on the hands and feet.
Corns and calluses are typically painless and feel like hardened areas of skin.
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Severe calluses or corns may hurt, which can affect your ability to walk.
They may also become infected or cause skin and tissue damage.
Pain and swelling are signs of an infected corn or callus.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Raimo Suhonen www.dermnetnz.org 2022
F.J. Jimenez / Getty Images
Differences Between Corns and Calluses
Cornsandcallusesare due to friction and pressure.
The thickened skin is a protective response from the body to prevent damage to the skin.
Due to a thickened, raised skin buildup, corns have a lighter color than the skin tone.
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They have a rubbery texture.
In the middle of the corn is a core, which looks like a small hole.
The core is the thickest part of the corn.
Over time, a corn can become painful, tender, or sensitive to pressure.
Calluses can be discolored because of the buildup of dead skin from fiction.
If a callus causes pain, it may be because of cracks called fissures in the thicker skin areas.
Corns develop because of constant or repeated pressure on the skin over a bone.
Calluses result from repetitive movements that produce skin friction.
Over time, dead skin cells build up and harden over new ones to protect the skin underneath.
High-heeled shoes and other shoes that put pressure on the feet can also cause the same roughness.
Similarities
Corns and calluses share many symptoms and qualities.
They can both be due to wearing shoes that do not fit comfortably.
The raised skin areas can become sensitive to pressure.
A corn or callus can become infected.
An affected toe might also be swollen and painful.
Like corns and calluses, bunions can be resulting from friction and pressure.
Bunions rub against shoes, leading to corns or calluses.
All three conditions can cause discomfort and pain when walking.
Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes may also help with healing.
If there is an infection or other problem, they will treat it.
If the corn or callus does not resolve withhome treatments, your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments.
If you have diabetes, it is not a good idea to self-treat corns or calluses.
See your healthcare provider right away to avoidfoot complications.
Summary
Corns and calluses are areas of hard, thickened skin.
They can develop anywhere on the body but mainly form on the hands and feet.
Corns and calluses are typically painless, but they can cause pain and become infected.
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