Calluses and corns

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure or friction on skin. A corn is thickened skin on the top or side of a toe, usually from shoes that do not fit properly. A callus is thickened skin on your hands or the soles of your feet.

The thickening of the skin is a protective reaction. For example, farmers and rowers get callused hands that prevent them from getting painful blisters. People with bunions often develop a callus over the bunion because it rubs against the shoe.

Neither corns nor calluses are serious conditions.

• Thick and hardened skin
• May be flaky and dry
• Located on hands, feet, or other areas that may be rubbed or pressured

Your health care provider will make the diagnosis after observing the skin. In most cases tests are not necessary.