Important

If you have diabetes, heart disease or problems with your circulation, do not try to treat corns and calluses yourself.

These conditions can make foot problems more serious. See a GP or foot specialist.

Corns and calluses are not often serious and there are things you can try to:

• get rid of them yourself
• stop them coming back

Do

• wear thick, cushioned socks
• wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole that do not rub
• use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes
• soak corns and calluses in warm water to soften them
• regularly use a pumice stone or foot file to remove hard skin
• moisturise to help keep skin soft

Don't

• do not try to cut off corns or calluses yourself
• do not walk long distances or stand for long periods
• do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes
• do not go barefoot

A GP can:

• look at your foot to see if it's a corn or callus
• give you antibiotics if a corn or callus is infected
• refer you to a foot specialist if they think you need further treatment

Treatment from a foot specialist

A foot specialist, such as a podiatrist, may be able to offer treatments such as:

• cutting away the corn or callus
• patches to help soften the hard skin so it can be removed
• specially made soft pads or insoles to take pressure off the painful area of your foot

Referral to a podiatrist on the NHS may not be available to everyone and waiting times can be long. You can pay to see a podiatrist privately.