Kulsum International Hospital

Corns and Calluses

On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Symptoms
  3. Causes and risk factors
  4. Diagnosis
  5. Treatment
  6. When to see a doctor

Overview

Corns and calluses are common and usually harmless. They can be uncomfortable, and people with diabetes need extra care.

Symptoms

  • A thick, rough area of skin
  • A hard, raised bump (corn), often on the toes
  • Tenderness or pain under the skin

Causes and risk factors

They are caused by tight or poorly fitting shoes, walking barefoot, foot deformities such as bunions and repetitive pressure from work or sport.

Diagnosis

A doctor diagnoses them by looking at the skin.

Treatment

Treatment includes comfortable shoes, padding, soaking and gently filing the skin, and moisturising. A doctor or podiatrist can safely trim thick skin. People with diabetes should not cut corns themselves.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if a corn is very painful, bleeds or becomes infected, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Our doctors

Consultants in the KIH departments that diagnose and treat Corns and Calluses.

Dr. Nasim Akhtar
Infectious Diseases

Dr. Nasim Akhtar

Consultant Infectious Diseases Specialist

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