A foot corn is a small, round bump that consists of hardened, thickened layers of skin. Corns form most often on the sides or tops of the toes as a result of friction, usually from shoes. Corns are often confused with calluses but there’s a difference. While both corns and calluses are typically caused by friction and produce thickened skin, calluses tend to form on the soles of the feet and cover a larger area. Corns tend to be smaller than calluses, and they may have a hard center or core. Corns can be painful and tender to the touch or when pressure is applied. The area around the corn may be inflamed. Calluses, on the other hand, aren’t usually painful or swollen.

There are several types of corns:

• Hard corns – This type of corn, the most common type, is hard and dry. Hard corns are usually found on the tops of toes.
• Soft corns – This type of corn is soft and malleable. Soft corns tend to be found in between toes.
• Seed corns – This type of corn tends to be very small and is usually found on the sole of the foot. Some doctors think that seed corns may be caused by sweat duct blockages.

A corn on your foot looks like thick, hardened skin which may have a hard center, like a plug or a core. Hard corns are dry and hard while soft corns are soft and spongy. There may be inflammation around the corn.

Repeat these steps at least once a week until the corn is gone. If the corn persists and is causing pain, see your doctor. In some cases, it may be necessary to have a podiatrist evaluate the corn. A podiatrist can use a special instrument to remove layers of the corn until it’s gone.

Foot corns will often go away on their own once the friction that caused the corn in the first place has been eliminated. Follow these tips to prevent corns from getting worse and to help prevent new corns from forming.

• Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that don’t rub against the skin when you walk.
• Wear socks with shoes to cut down on friction. Moisture-wicking socks are especially effective at preventing friction.
• Keep toenails trim. When toenails are too long, the toes can be forced up against the shoes, causing rubbing when walking and running.

• Take several minutes to soak your feet in warm water. This can be done in the bath or shower.
• Using a foot file or a pumice stone, gently exfoliate the top layers of the corn. Take care not to be too aggressive as this can cause discomfort and irritation.
• Apply a treatment product for corns that contains salicylic acid. You can also treat the corn using a cushion/treatment combo product. The cushions protect the corn while the treatment product eliminates layers of the corn.

Never try to dig out a foot corn as this can cause injury to the skin, increasing the risk of infection. It’s best to eliminate a corn little by little with exfoliation using a pumice stone or foot file. You can also use a corn treatment containing salicylic acid. If your corn is persistent or causing pain, see your healthcare provider. A doctor can remove a corn in layers using a special instrument. Removing the entire corn may require several appointments.

No, you cannot pull a corn out of your foot. If you want to eliminate a foot corn, you’ll need to reduce it little by little over time by gently exfoliating with a foot file or a pumice stone, or by using a corn removal product that contains salicylic acid. You should not attempt to remove a corn all at once as this can cause irritation or injury. See your doctor if your corn doesn’t go away despite at-home efforts or if it’s causing pain. Doctors can use a special corn removal tool in order to eliminate a corn. However, it may take several attempts to eliminate the corn entirely.