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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Corns and calluses facts
• What are corns and calluses?
• Why do corns and calluses develop?
• What are risk factors for corns and calluses?
• What are symptoms and signs of corns and calluses?
• How are corns and calluses diagnosed?
• How can corns and calluses be treated?
• When should you seek professional treatment for corns and calluses?
• What is the prognosis for corns and calluses?
• How can corns and calluses be prevented?
• Patient Comments: Corns - Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Corns - Treatments
• Find a local Podiatrist in your town
• Corns Index

The diagnosis can be made by observing the characteristic changes in the skin. Specialized tests are not necessary.

Corns and calluses can be treated with many types of medicated products to chemically pare down the thickened, dead skin. These products all share the same active ingredient -- salicylic acid, the ingredient used in over-the-counter wart-removal products.

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic, which means it dissolves the protein (keratin) that makes up most of both the corn and the thick layer of dead skin which often tops it. Used as indicated on the package directions, these products are gentle and safe for most people. Salicylic-acid treatments are available in different forms including

• applicators,
• drops,
• pads,
• plasters.

All of these treatments will turn the top of the skin white and allow you to trim or peel away dead tissue, making the corn protrude and hurt less.

It generally is recommended that salicylic acid not be used by people with diabetes or when there is frail skin or poor circulation (because of concern about how the skin can heal). In these situations, application of salicylic acid can potentially lead to ulcer formation on the skin. Your health-care professional can help you determine whether salicylic acid-based products are safe for use on your skin.

You should not attempt to cut or shave away corns and calluses at home. This can lead to potentially dangerous infection of the surrounding tissues. This should be performed by a podiatrist or other health-care professional.

Your health-care professional may also prescribe antibiotics for any corns or calluses that have become infected.