What They Are and how to treat
If you’ve ever noticed a small, hard patch of skin on your foot that feels sore or uncomfortable when you walk, you might have a corn. Corns are one of the most common foot problems we see in clinic—and thankfully, they’re also very treatable.
What Are Corns?
A corn is a thickened area of skin that develops in response to friction or pressure. They’re your body’s way of protecting itself—when the skin experiences repeated rubbing (from shoes, hard surfaces, or toe deformities), it builds up extra layers for defence.
There are a few different types:
- Hard corns – small, dense areas of hard skin, often found on the tops or sides of toes.
- Soft corns – rubbery and white in appearance, often developing between the toes where there’s moisture.
- Seed corns – tiny, sometimes painful corns that appear on the soles of the feet.
Symptoms
Corns can cause:
- A small, circular patch of thickened skin
- Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied
- Discomfort when walking or wearing shoes
Treatment Options
While corns are not dangerous, they can be painful and persistent if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.
1. Professional Treatment
A podiatrist can:
- Safely and painlessly remove the hard skin with a sterile scalpel
- Identify the cause and help prevent recurrence
- Offer padding, orthotics, or footwear advice to relieve pressure
- Offer CURACORN - a long term solution to corns and prevent reoccurrence (see blog)
2. Self-Care Measures
- Wear well-fitting, supportive shoes with adequate toe space
- Use moisturiser containing 10% UREA daily to keep skin supple
- Use a foot file or pumice over the hard skin BEFORE it becomes a corn
- Avoid over-the-counter “corn plasters” containing acid—these can damage healthy skin, especially in people with diabetes or poor circulation
3. Addressing the Cause
Because corns are a symptom rather than the root problem, addressing the underlying pressure or friction is key. Custom orthotics, toe separators, or footwear adjustments can make a big difference.