FOOT HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER

5 Tips to Treat and Prevent Corns + Calluses

CORNS + CALLUSES ARE ACTUALLY THE SAME THING:

thick, hard spots of dead skin caused by

rubbing and pressure.

CORNS

Corns are on the tops of toes and other bony

areas of the foot. You can see them by looking

straight down at your feet.

CALLUSES

Calluses are on the side or bottom of your

toes or soles. You have to pick up your foot or

lean over to see them.

To deal with these pesky annoyances, we

recommend 5 tips to help treat and prevent

your corns and calluses.

1. First and foremost, wear shoes that fit properly.

By far, the main culprit of corns and calluses

is shoes that don’t fit properly. Women who

wear high heels and uncomfortable shoes in

the name of fashion are common corn and

callus sufferers.

Wear shoes with:• An overall good fit, with no rubbing or

pressure points• Good shock absorption for the sole• Wide toe boxes.

Make sure you limit the time you wear high

heels or dress shoes.

2. Use cushions + pads

to reduce rubbing and pressure points.

3. Apply softening creams.

Use twice a day for stubborn corns

or calluses.

Avoid chemical patches and solutions. They

come with the possibility of side effects or

complications, especially from overuse.

4. Use files or pumice stones.

Use files or pumice stones to soften and

smooth down corns and calluses. Because

corns and calluses are formed from chronic

friction, this may not help in all cases.

Never try to cut out, shave or scrape off

corns or calluses with a razor or scissors.

You could hurt yourself or increase your risk

of infection. Many mechanical debriders sold

as corn and callous solutions present the

same risks.

5. Wear comfortable socksto reduce friction.

These treatments should bring relief in a matter

of weeks. If they don’t, you may want to

consult a podiatrist.

FOOT HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER

For more information about corns and calluses from the experts at FootSmart and the Podiatry Institute, visit www.footsmart.com/Foot-Health-Resource-Center.