Corns and Calluses: Key Differences, Causes and Effective Treatments

What Are Corns and Calluses?

Both corns and calluses are areas of thickened, hardened skin that form as a natural defence mechanism against pressure or friction. They are your body’s way of protecting itself—but when they grow too thick or deep, they can become painful and interfere with everyday movement.

Corns

Corns (clinically known as Heloma Durum) are small, concentrated areas of hard skin with a central core that press into deeper tissue. They typically form:

• On the tops or sides of the toes
• Between toes (soft corns)
• On the soles or balls of the feet (seed corns)

Calluses

Calluses are broader, flatter areas of thickened skin, often forming on weight-bearing parts of the foot such as the heels or balls. Unlike corns, calluses are generally not painful but can become uncomfortable or unsightly if left untreated.

Both conditions are very common and treatable by our expert podiatrists at Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic in London.

Causes of Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses develop due to repeated pressure, rubbing, or friction on the skin. Common causes include:

• Wearing tight, ill-fitting, or high-heeled shoe
• Foot deformities such as hammer toes or bunion
• Walking or running excessively
• Not wearing socks with shoes
• Abnormal gait or uneven weight distribution
• Dry or thin skin that’s prone to friction

Women tend to be more affected due to fashionable footwear choices, while athletes and active individuals are at higher risk due to repetitive motion.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

While some calluses may not be painful, others—and all types of corns—can cause significant discomfort. You may notice:

• A raised, hardened area of skin
• Pain when standing or walking
• Redness or tenderness
• Dry, flaky, or waxy skin
• A visible central core (in hard corns)
• Soft, rubbery patches between toes (in soft corns)

If left untreated, corns and calluses can worsen, become infected, or lead to other foot complications—especially for people with diabetes or poor circulation.

Professional Corn and Callus Treatment in London

At Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic, we offer safe, gentle, and effective treatments for corns and calluses using advanced podiatric techniques.

1. Painless Removal by a Podiatrist

Our podiatrists use sterile instruments to carefully and painlessly remove hardened skin and relieve discomfort immediately. This is a simple, quick procedure performed in the clinic, and you’ll feel the difference straight away—many patients say it’s like “walking on air” afterwards.

2. Callus Reduction and Skin Smoothing

For thick or recurring calluses, we perform precision debridement (hard skin removal) followed by gentle smoothing to restore the natural texture of the skin.

3. Protective Padding and Footwear Advice

We help identify the source of pressure and offer customised padding or orthotics to prevent recurrence. Proper footwear advice ensures your feet stay protected and comfortable.

4. Moisturising and Skin Care Recommendations

We’ll recommend medical-grade creams and foot care routines to keep the skin hydrated and prevent callus reformation.

5. Follow-Up and Preventive Care

Regular podiatry appointments help manage recurring pressure points, keeping your feet healthy and free from painful skin build-up.

Home Remedies and What to Avoid

While mild calluses can sometimes be managed at home, self-treating corns and calluses can be risky.

Safe home care tips

• Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to soften the skin.
• Gently rub with a pumice stone (never aggressively).
• Apply a moisturising cream daily to prevent dryness.

Avoid

• Cutting or shaving thickened skin yourself.
• Using medicated corn plasters (especially with salicylic acid)—these can burn healthy skin and cause infection.
• Ignoring pain or redness around affected areas.

If discomfort persists, visit our podiatry and chiropodists in London for professional, painless removal.

Preventing Corns and Calluses

Prevention is always better than cure. To reduce your risk:

• Choose comfortable, supportive shoes that fit properly.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction.
• Keep your feet moisturised and smooth.
• Use orthotics or insoles if you have high arches or flat feet.
• Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
• Schedule regular check-ups with your podiatrist.

Why Choose Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic?

 Specialist Podiatry and Chiropodists in London

 Pain-free, sterile procedures for all foot conditions

 Advice to prevent recurrence and improve foot health

 Decades of experience treating corns, calluses, and complex foot concerns

 Convenient clinic locations in London (Sydenham, Covent Garden & Croydon)  with flexible appointments

 Easy online booking and clear, honest pricing

At Flawless Feet, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care, ensuring that every step you take is comfortable and pain-free.