Calluses and Corns Calluses and corns are areas of thick skin
caused by pressure or friction. They may cause pain when a
person walks or wears shoes. Calluses usually form on the hands
or feet. They may look gray or yellow and be less sensitive to
the touch than surrounding skin. They usually don't need
treatment. Calluses on the hands usually can be prevented by
wearing gloves to protect hands, such as when gardening or
lifting weights. Calluses on the feet can usually be prevented
by wearing shoes that fit well. Corns have an inner core that
can be soft or hard. Soft corns are found between toes. Hard
corns may form on the top of a toe. Corns caused by poorly
fitting shoes will often go away with the right size shoe. Using
protective padding to cushion the corn can help relieve pain
while the toe heals. Calluses and corns can be softened and the
dead skin removed by careful use of salicylic acid products.
These are available without a prescription. Sometimes a doctor
will remove a callus or corn. A person w