12 Expert Foot Care Tips for Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses can really hurt! At Profoot UK, we know how these foot problems can make your day tough. We’ve made this guide to help you deal with corns and calluses. Whether you have a stubborn corn or an annoying callus, our tips will help you get happier, healthier feet. With good care, you can make your feet feel much better and stop these problems from coming back.

Key Points for Corn and Callus Care

Know the difference: Corns are small small, round areas of thick skin with a hard centre, calluses are larger patches
Wear proper shoes: Choose comfortable, well-fitting footwear
Keep skin soft: Moisturise and gently file hard skin regularly
Use padding: Apply protective pads for quick relief
Get expert help: See a podiatrist for persistent issues
Focus on prevention: Maintain overall foot health to avoid problems

1. Know Your Enemy: Understanding Corns and Calluses

Before we talk about treatment, it’s important to understand what corns and calluses are. Both are areas of thick skin, but they’re different:

Corns are small, round areas of thick skin with a hard centre. They usually show up on parts of your feet that don’t bear weight, like the tops and sides of your toes. Corns can hurt a lot when pressed. Calluses are bigger, flatter areas of thick skin. You’ll usually find these on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls. Calluses don’t hurt as much as corns, but they can be uncomfortable if they get too thick.

Both corns and calluses happen because of friction or pressure. It’s your body trying to protect your skin, but this protection can start to hurt if it’s not taken care of. Corns usually happen because of constant rubbing in one spot, while calluses form from more spread-out pressure or friction. Knowing these differences can help you figure out what’s wrong and how to treat it.

2. Choose the Right Footwear

One of the best ways to prevent and manage corns and calluses is by wearing good shoes. Here are some tips to help you choose the right ones:

Pick shoes that fit well and support your feet. Make sure there’s about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Make sure there’s enough room in the front of the shoe to prevent rubbing. Your toes should be able to move freely without feeling squished.
Use cushioned insoles for extra comfort. These can help spread out pressure and reduce sore spots.
Think about the shape of your feet when choosing shoes. For example, if you have high arches, look for shoes with good arch support.
Avoid shoes with seams or stitching that rub against problem areas on your feet.

Remember, your feet can change size over time, so it’s a good idea to measure them regularly. Things like getting older, gaining or losing weight, and pregnancy can all change your foot size and shape. Buying good quality shoes can really help prevent foot problems. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about protecting your feet from unnecessary stress and rubbing that can lead to corns and calluses.

3. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!

Keeping your feet well-moisturised can help prevent corns and calluses. Dry skin is more likely to get thick and hard, so a good moisturising routine is key. Here’s what you can do to keep your feet soft:

Put on a rich foot cream every day, especially after bathing when your skin is still a bit damp. This helps lock in moisture.
Pay extra attention to areas that tend to get dry and hard, like your heels and the balls of your feet.
Think about using a special moisturising treatment for corns and calluses. These often have ingredients like urea or salicylic acid that help soften hard skin.
For very dry feet, put on moisturiser and wear cotton socks overnight to let the product soak in deeply.
Don’t forget to moisturise between your toes, but be sure to dry this area well afterwards to prevent fungal infections.

For targeted moisturising, try our Profoot Moisturising Corn Plasters:

Foot Care for Corns - Profoot Moisturising Corn Plasters

These plasters not only cushion your foot but also help soften and moisturise the corn. The hydrocolloid material provides focussed hydration that works to soften the hard skin over time, while the cushion helps relieve pressure and rubbing. Using these regularly can really improve your corns and make walking more comfortable.

4. Exfoliate Gently

Regular, gentle exfoliation can help prevent the build up of dead skin that leads to corns and calluses. Here’s how to do it safely:

Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove dead skin. Start with light pressure and slowly increase if needed.
Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate your skin and possibly lead to infection. Aim for once or twice a week, depending on what your skin needs.
Always exfoliate when your skin is dry, not wet. Wet skin can hide how much you’re actually removing, which might lead to over-exfoliation.
After exfoliating, rinse your feet and put on moisturiser to keep the skin soft.
For stubborn areas, think about using a foot scrub with exfoliating particles before using a pumice stone or file.

Remember, the key word here is ‘gentle’. You’re not trying to scrub away the corn or callus all at once. Instead, aim for regular, gentle exfoliation to slowly reduce the thickened skin. This way is safer and works better in the long run. If you have diabetes or circulation problems, talk to a podiatrist before trying any exfoliation at home, as you might be at higher risk for complications.

5. Use Protective Padding

Cushioning can help relieve pressure and rubbing on affected areas. This is especially useful if you’re on your feet a lot or if you have shoes that tend to rub in certain spots. Here are some options and how to use them:

Use corn cushions or callus pads to protect sensitive spots. Put these around the corn or callus, not directly on top, to spread out pressure.
Try toe separators to prevent rubbing between toes. These are really helpful if you have corns between your toes.
Use gel pads or insoles for overall foot comfort. These can help spread pressure more evenly across your foot.
Consider moleskin pads, which you can cut to fit any area of your foot. These are especially good for oddly shaped or located corns and calluses.
If you’re an athlete or very active, look into special sports padding designed for high-impact activities.

Our Profoot Callus Cushions offer quick relief:

These cushions provide instant relief from painful calluses, easing pressure and rubbing under your foot. They’re made with super soft cushioning foam and have a hypo-allergenic adhesive, making them good for sensitive skin. The cushions are designed to stay in place all day, providing continuous protection. You can wear them with most types of shoes, making them a versatile solution for everyday comfort.

6. Soak and Soften

Regular foot soaks can help soften corns and calluses, making them easier to manage. Here’s a routine you can try:

Soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes. The water should be comfortably warm, not hot, to avoid drying out your skin more.
Add Epsom salts to the water for extra benefits. Epsom salts can help soften the skin and reduce swelling.
Consider adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree for their soothing and antibacterial properties.
Use a soft washcloth to gently clean your feet while they’re soaking.
After soaking, use a pumice stone or foot file to gently exfoliate the softened skin.
Gently pat your feet dry after soaking, paying special attention to the areas between your toes.
Put on moisturiser right after drying to lock in the hydration from the soak.

This routine can help soften the hardened skin, making it easier to gently exfoliate afterwards. Just remember not to soak your feet for too long, as this can actually dry out your skin. Try to do this routine once or twice a week, depending on how your feet are doing. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, check with a doctor before starting any new foot care routine.

7. Address Underlying Causes

Corns and calluses often happen because of other foot issues. Dealing with these can help prevent future problems and provide long-term relief. Consider these steps:

Get a professional to look at how you walk to spot any issues. This can show problems that may be causing uneven pressure on your feet.
Use orthotics or insoles to correct walking problems. Custom orthotics can be really good at spreading out pressure and reducing rubbing.
Deal with any foot shape issues that might be causing extra pressure or rubbing. This might include things like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet.
Think about your daily activities and job hazards. If you stand for long periods or do high-impact activities, you may need to take extra care.
Look at all the shoes you wear, including ones for leisure and exercise.
If you’re overweight, losing weight can really reduce pressure on your feet.

Our Profoot Toe Protectors can help with alignment issues:

These protectors help moisturise and provide cushioning, reducing rubbing and pressure that can lead to corns and calluses. They’re really useful for people with hammertoes or other toe problems that can cause rubbing against shoes. The soft, flexible material fits comfortably around your toes, and you can wear them with most types of shoes. Using them regularly can help prevent new corns from forming and reduce discomfort from existing ones.

8. Don’t Ignore Pain

While some discomfort is common with corns and calluses, severe or ongoing pain should never be ignored. It could be a sign of a bigger problem. Here’s what to watch out for and how to respond:

Pain that affects your daily activities: If you find yourself changing how you walk or avoiding certain activities because of foot pain, it’s time to get help.
Redness, warmth, or swelling around the affected area: These could be signs of infection, especially if you also have a fever or chills.
Any signs of infection, like pus or a bad smell: These symptoms need immediate medical attention.
Pain that doesn’t go away despite home treatment: If your corns or calluses aren’t getting better with over-the-counter treatments and home care, you need to see a professional.
Changes in skin color or texture around the corn or callus: This could mean there are underlying issues or the start of an ulcer, especially in people with diabetes.

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional advice. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the problem and recommend the right treatment. They might use special tools to safely remove excess hard skin, give you medicine if there’s an infection, or suggest custom orthotics to address underlying walking issues. Remember, getting help early can prevent small foot problems from becoming big health concerns.

9. Be Careful with Home Remedies

While there are many home remedies for corns and calluses, it’s important to be careful. Some can do more harm than good, especially if not used correctly. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do use over-the-counter treatments as directed. Follow the instructions carefully and don’t use more than recommended.
Don’t try to cut or shave corns or calluses yourself. This can lead to injury and infection, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
Do use protective padding to relieve pressure. This is a safe way to manage discomfort while addressing the underlying cause.
Don’t use harsh chemicals or “corn removal” products without professional advice. Some of these can damage healthy skin around the corn or callus.
Do consider natural remedies like soaking in warm water with Epsom salts, but be aware that they might not solve the problem completely.
Don’t apply medicated pads or treatments if you have open sores or signs of infection.
Do keep your feet clean to prevent complications.

For a safe and effective treatment, consider our Corn Wraps or Corn Wraps XL:

These wraps provide targeted relief for corns, helping to moisturise and soften the skin as well as reducing pain. They work by creating a moist environment that helps soften the hardened skin, making it easier to remove gently over time. The XL size is perfect for covering bigger toes. They’re easy to put on and can be worn comfortably in most shoes, providing continuous treatment throughout the day.

You could also try our Corn Removal Plasters they provide an effective solution for treating corns and calluses. Each individually wrapped adhesive plaster contains salicylic acid, which helps break down hardened skin. A built-in protective disc reduces friction and relieves pressure, ensuring greater comfort during wear.

10. Maintain Overall Foot Health

Preventing problems is always better than treating them. Keeping your feet healthy overall can help stop corns and calluses from forming in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your feet in good shape:

Keep your feet clean and dry: Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, and dry them well, especially between the toes.
Trim your toenails regularly and straight across: This prevents ingrown toenails which can lead to pressure and rubbing.
Wear clean socks that wick away moisture: Change your socks daily and choose materials that keep your feet dry.
Give your feet a break – go barefoot when it’s safe to do so: This lets your feet ‘breathe’ and can help strengthen foot muscles.
Switch between different pairs of shoes: Don’t wear the same pair every day to let them dry out completely between uses.
Drink plenty of water: This helps keep your skin, including that on your feet, hydrated from the inside out.
Eat a balanced diet: Nutrients like vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids help keep your skin healthy.
Do foot exercises regularly: This can improve blood flow and flexibility in your feet.

Remember, healthy feet are happy feet! By making these habits part of your daily routine, you can really reduce your risk of getting corns, calluses, and other foot problems. It’s an investment in your overall comfort and ability to move around easily.

11. Stay Active, But Be Smart

Regular exercise is great for your overall health, including your feet. However, some activities can increase your risk of developing corns and calluses. Here’s how to stay active while protecting your feet:

Wear the right shoes for your activity: Different sports need different types of support. Invest in sport-specific shoes for activities you do often.
Use protective padding in high-impact areas: Put moleskin or gel pads on areas prone to blisters or calluses before your activity.
Slowly increase how long and hard you work out: This lets your feet get used to new stresses without developing problems.
Listen to your body – if something hurts, stop and check what’s wrong: Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s not right.
Switch between high-impact and low-impact activities: This gives your feet a chance to recover between intense workouts.
Stretch and warm up properly: This includes your feet and ankles, not just your big muscle groups.
Cool down and take care of your feet after working out: This might include putting ice on them to reduce swelling or massaging to improve blood flow.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your favorite activities without putting too much stress on your feet. Remember, staying active is important, but it shouldn’t hurt your feet. If you’re starting a new exercise routine, think about talking to a foot doctor or sports medicine professional to make sure you’re taking the right steps to protect your feet.

12. Know When to Get Professional Help

While many corns and calluses can be managed at home, there are times when it’s best to see a professional. Here are some situations where you should see a podiatrist:

If you have diabetes or poor circulation: These conditions can make even small foot problems serious, so professional care is essential.
When corns or calluses are causing a lot of pain: If the discomfort is affecting your daily activities, it’s time for expert help.
If you notice signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling): These symptoms need immediate medical attention to prevent complications.
For problems that keep coming back despite home treatment: A podiatrist can help find and address the underlying causes.
If you have a foot deformity: Conditions like bunions or hammertoes often need professional management.
When you’re not sure about the cause of your foot pain: Sometimes what seems like a simple corn or callus could be a sign of a more complex issue.
If you’re an athlete experiencing ongoing foot problems: A sports podiatrist can offer specialised advice for high-performance needs.

A podiatrist can provide specialised treatments and advice tailored to your specific situation. They might use professional tools to safely remove hardened skin, prescribe custom orthotics, or suggest changes to your footwear and foot care routine. In some cases, they might recommend minor procedures to correct underlying structural issues. Remember, getting help early can often prevent small foot problems from becoming major health concerns.

Conclusion

Managing corns and calluses effectively requires a mix of prevention, proper foot care, and targeted treatments. By following these tips and using quality products like those offered by Profoot UK, you can keep your feet comfortable and healthy. It’s important to remember that foot care is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Regular attention to your feet, combined with the right products and professional advice when needed, can make a big difference in your overall foot health and comfort.

Remember, your feet carry you through life – they deserve the best care possible. Don’t let corns and calluses slow you down. With the right approach, you can have happy, healthy feet! Whether you’re an athlete, spend long hours on your feet for work, or simply want to keep your feet in good shape, these tips can help you achieve and maintain healthy feet. By taking care of your feet, you’re investing in your ability to move around easily, your comfort, and your overall well-being for years to come.