What causes calluses and corns?

Calluses and corns develop when the skin is exposed to repeated pressure or rubbing. Over time, the body responds by building thicker skin in the affected area to protect itself. While this is a natural defence mechanism, the excess hard skin can become painful if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Common factors that contribute to calluses and corns include:

• Tight or ill-fitting footwear that rubs against the toes or sides of the feet
• High-heeled shoes, which place extra pressure on the balls of the feet
• Excessive pressure on certain areas due to standing, walking, or exercise
• Toe deformities, such as hammertoes or claw toes, that cause specific pressure points
• Flat feet or high arches, which alter weight distribution across the foot
• Repetitive friction from walking or sports, especially without proper footwear
• Dry skin, which is more prone to thickening and hardening under pressure

What are the signs and symptoms of calluses and corns?

Calluses and corns can vary in appearance depending on where they form and how much pressure the area is exposed to. Some may cause only mild discomfort, while others can become painful enough to affect daily activities or make certain shoes difficult to wear.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Hard, thickened skin patches on the toes, heels or balls of the feet
• Pain when walking or when pressure is applied to the affected area
• A central core in corns, which creates a deeper, more focused point of discomfort
• Flaky or dry skin surrounding the thickened area
• Tenderness around the site, especially in closed or tight footwear
• Difficulty wearing certain shoes due to rubbing or pressure points

What happens if calluses or corns are left untreated?

Calluses and corns may start as mild hard skin, but without proper care, they can gradually become more uncomfortable. As the skin continues to thicken, pressure builds up in the underlying tissues, making everyday activities like standing or walking increasingly painful.

Problems that may develop over time include:

• Pain worsening over time, especially in tight or enclosed footwear
• Skin cracking or splitting, which can expose tender skin underneath
• Increased pressure leading to deeper pain or sharp discomfort when walking
• Difficulty walking, causing changes in gait or avoidance of certain shoes
• Risk of infection in severe cases, particularly if the skin breaks
• Ulceration risk for people with diabetes, where even small areas of hard skin can lead to complications

Early podiatry treatment helps relieve pressure, improve comfort and prevent these issues from progressing.

When should you see a podiatrist for callus or corn treatment?

Mild hard skin may improve with simple care at home, but some calluses and corns become painful or keep returning because the underlying pressure is not resolved. A podiatrist can assess the cause, remove the thickened skin safely, and recommend ways to stop it from building up again.

You should see a podiatrist if you notice or have:

• Persistent pain that makes standing or walking uncomfortable
• Hard skin that keeps returning despite home care
• Difficulty walking or wearing shoes due to pressure points
• Corns with a deep central core, causing sharp or focused pain
• Cracked heels or bleeding skin, which increases the risk of infection
• Diabetes, circulation issues or reduced sensation, where self-treatment is unsafe

How are calluses and corn diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually straightforward and based on a visual examination of the affected skin. Our podiatrist will look at the thickness, location and pattern of hard skin and assess foot structure, gait, pressure points and footwear to understand why the callus or corn developed. 

If needed, the podiatrist will also check for underlying causes such as toe deformities, flat feet, high arches or arthritis that may be contributing to repeated pressure.

What treatments are available for calluses and corn?

Treatment for calluses and corns aims to remove the thickened skin safely while also addressing the pressure or friction that caused it. At Atlas Podiatry, our podiatrist focuses on managing both the symptoms and the underlying cause to ensure longer-lasting relief.

• Podiatry debridement (gentle removal of hard skin) — the podiatrist carefully shaves or thins the thickened skin using sterile instruments. This process is usually painless and provides immediate relief, especially for deep or painful corns.

• Offloading and pressure redistribution — for areas that experience constant rubbing, padding, silicone appliances or toe separators may be used to reduce friction. Offloading is particularly useful when corns are caused by toe deformities or bony prominences, helping to minimise pressure in the affected spot.

• Footwear and activity modifications — wearing shoes with appropriate width, length, depth, cushioning and support reduces pressure on vulnerable areas. Our podiatrist will guide you on suitable footwear and activity adjustments to prevent recurrence.

• Orthotics / insoles — custom or medical-grade insoles can help correct foot mechanics that place excessive force on certain areas. Supporting the arches or adjusting the way pressure is distributed can significantly reduce callus and corn formation.

• Skin care advice — daily moisturisers, especially those containing urea, help soften dry or thickening skin and keeps it healthy. A tailored skin-care routine reduces the chance of hard skin building up again.

What can you expect after treatment?

Once the thickened skin is removed and pressure is reduced, most patients feel a clear improvement in comfort. The feet often look and feel healthier, and walking becomes easier.

After treatment, you can expect:

• Softer, healthier skin where the callus or corn was removed
• Relief from pain and pressure, often immediately
• Improved walking comfort, especially in previously painful shoes
• Guidance on footwear and skin care, tailored to your foot shape and lifestyle
• Review for underlying biomechanical issues, ensuring long-term prevention and reduced recurrence

How can you prevent calluses and corns from returning?

Preventing calluses and corns from coming back involves keeping pressure and friction under control while maintaining healthy skin. Small changes to footwear, daily habits and foot care routines can make a significant difference in reducing recurrence.

Helpful prevention steps include:

• Wearing well-fitting shoes that provide enough space for the feet to reduce rubbing
• Avoiding tight, pointed or high-heeled footwear, which increases pressure on specific areas
• Using moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry and reduce friction
• Applying daily moisturiser, especially on dry areas
• Using padding or silicone protectors if you are prone to pressure spots
• Addressing foot deformities such as hammertoes, low or high arches with podiatry guidance
• Schedule regular podiatry reviews if hard skin recurs, allowing early treatment and long-term relief

Summary 

Calluses and corns are common foot concerns, but they can become uncomfortable when the skin thickens too much or pressure builds in one area. With the right care, they respond well to podiatry treatment. At Atlas Podiatry, management focuses on safely removing the hard skin, identifying the underlying cause of pressure and offering practical guidance on footwear, activity, and long-term foot care. Most patients experience immediate relief after treatment and ongoing support helps prevent the problem from returning.

If you are dealing with persistent hard skin, pain when walking or corns that keep coming back, schedule a consultation with Atlas Podiatry for professional callus and corn treatment in Singapore.