July 8, 2025, 9:02 am | Read time: 4 minutes
At first glance, it looks like a wart—but upon closer inspection, a glassy, hard core in the center becomes noticeable: a typical sign of a corn, also known as a clavus. This small, often painful callus forms where the skin is subjected to constant pressure or friction, especially on the feet. Although the name might sound unusual, there’s generally no need for major concern: corns can be effectively treated and even prevented with a few simple measures.
Corns are not uncommon, especially among older people.1 These thickened skin areas mostly develop on the feet and can cause uncomfortable pain when walking or standing for long periods. FITBOOK editor Michel Winges explains how you can effectively treat a corn and what you can do to prevent them.
Overview
How to Recognize a Corn?
A corn is a localized, round thickening of the callus that typically occurs in areas where the skin is exposed to prolonged pressure or friction, especially on toes or the soles of the feet. It is characterized by a hardened, often glassy-looking core in the center that grows inward and can press on the underlying tissue. The affected area is often red and sensitive. Many people report a stabbing or burning pain when walking, especially if the corn is on a bony protrusion or under the foot.
In the early stages, a corn may not cause any discomfort. If the area is not relieved, the pain can increase over time. The risk of inflammation also rises, particularly in people with diabetes or circulatory disorders.2
Distinct from Warts
Corns and warts are often confused in everyday life, but there are clear differences. While corns are caused by mechanical irritation, such as persistent pressure or friction, warts are contagious skin changes caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). Warts typically have an irregular surface and show small black dots caused by tiny blood vessels. In contrast, a corn has a smooth, calloused surface with a glassy central core that can painfully press on the tissue beneath.3
This distinction is important for treatment, as warts often require antiviral or immune-stimulating agents, while corns primarily need pressure relief and callus reduction.
What Are the Causes?
Corns develop where the skin is exposed to prolonged pressure or friction. Common causes include:
Inappropriate Footwear:
- Shoes that are too tight or too hard
- High heels with pressure on the forefoot and toes
- Seams or edges inside the shoe that rub
Foot Deformities:
- Hallux valgus (bunion)
- Hammer toes
- Bony growths (exostoses)4
How Is a Corn Treated?
Often, a corn can be treated by the affected individuals themselves.5 The prerequisite is that it is a mild form without inflammation. However, if the corn is severely hardened, deeply ingrown, or very painful, you should seek professional podiatric or medical treatment, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like diabetes or circulatory disorders. Additionally, the effectiveness of the mentioned home remedies is not scientifically proven.
Home Remedies
- Foot baths: Warm water with added ingredients such as chamomile, tea tree oil, soap, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), or bee resin (propolis) can help as the calloused skin is softened. The superficial callus layer can then be carefully removed. A pumice stone can be used for this.6 It is important: Do not use sharp tools like razor blades, as the risk of injury is too high.
- Lemon juice, salt, and onion: A pureed onion combined with a little salt and lemon juice. Apply the mixture to a cotton pad and then place it on the corn. Wrap a bandage around it and leave it on overnight. After a week, the callus will have dissolved enough for the corn to come off on its own.
Pharmaceutical Remedies
- Corn plasters: These plasters are coated with salicylic acid or lactic acid, which soften the calloused skin and make it easier to remove the corn.
- Salicylic acid drops: An alternative to plasters are drops that are applied for several days until the callus is softened and the corn can be removed.
Removal by a Doctor
- Podiatric foot care: The treatment is usually painless and often performed on an outpatient basis. The podiatrist removes the central callus core with sterile instruments without injuring the surrounding tissue.
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How to Prevent Them
To prevent the formation of a corn in the first place, you can actively take simple measures. These include:
- Comfortable shoes: The toes should have enough space in the shoe. The old trick from mom of using your thumb to check the space from the big toe to the shoe tip can be helpful. Additionally, the shoes should neither pinch nor chafe and ideally offer flat heels and soft inner material.
- Prevent constant rubbing and localized pressure: If the foot is unevenly stressed during sports, a pressure imbalance quickly develops. In such cases, insoles can help distribute the pressure more evenly.
- Regular foot care: Foot hygiene can have a strong preventive effect. Removing excess callus and using moisturizing creams can be helpful.