Corns are one of the foot’s most stubborn annoyances — small, hard, and painful. This quick-read guide answers the most common questions about corns, so you know how to treat them and stop them coming back.
Common Questions About Corns
Q: What is a corn?
A: A corn is a small, usually round, thickened area of skin caused by repeated friction or pressure, usually on toes or the ball of the foot.
Q: What causes corns?
A: Ill-fitting shoes, abnormal toe shapes, high heels, or repetitive rubbing from footwear or socks.
Q: Are corns the same as calluses?
A: No — corns are smaller, have a central hard core, and are often painful. Calluses are broader and usually painless.
Q: What are the types of corns?
A: Hard corns (firm, dense skin), soft corns (rubbery, often between toes), and seed corns (tiny, on weight-bearing areas).
Q: Do corns hurt?
A: Yes — they can cause sharp or aching pain when pressed, especially in shoes.
Q: Can corns go away on their own?
A: Not usually — they tend to persist unless the cause (friction/pressure) is removed.
Q: How can I treat corns at home?
A: Wear well-fitting shoes, use protective pads, soak feet, and gently file the thickened skin. Avoid cutting them yourself.
Q: What are medicated corn plasters?
A: Pads with salicylic acid that soften thick skin so it can be removed more easily — not suitable for people with diabetes or poor circulation.
Q: When should I see a podiatrist?
A: If you have diabetes, circulation problems, severe pain, or if home care doesn’t work.
Q: Can corns be cut out?
A: Yes — podiatrists can safely pare away corns using sterile tools.
Q: Will removing a corn make it disappear forever?
A: Only if the underlying pressure or friction is fixed — otherwise it can come back.
Q: Can shoe inserts help?
A: Yes — orthotics can redistribute pressure and stop corns forming in the same spot.
Q: Are corns common in older adults?
A: Yes — changes in foot shape, skin thickness, and fat padding loss make corns more likely with age.
Q: Can high heels cause corns?
A: Definitely — they squeeze toes and create pressure points.
Q: Are corns contagious?
A: No — they’re caused by friction, not infection.
Q: What’s the difference between a corn and a wart?
A: Warts are caused by a virus, may have black dots, and interrupt skin lines. Corns keep normal skin lines and have a hard centre.
Q: Can diabetes make corns dangerous?
A: Yes — they can lead to ulcers or infections if not treated carefully.
Q: How can I prevent corns?
A: Wear shoes that fit well, use cushioning insoles, keep feet moisturised, and trim toenails to avoid pressure.
Q: How long does it take to get rid of a corn?
A: With proper treatment, weeks to months — but prevention is key to keeping them away.
Q: Can corns appear on the bottom of the foot?
A: Yes — seed corns often appear on weight-bearing areas like the ball of the foot.
📌 Summary
- Corns = small, painful skin thickening from friction or pressure.
- Not the same as calluses — corns are smaller and often sore.
- Fixing the cause stops them returning.
Need More Information? Read our Full Corns Guide