Noticed thick, rough patches on your toes or feet? These are most likely corns or calluses—common and usually harmless, but often uncomfortable.
They’re mainly caused by friction and pressure, especially from shoes that are too tight, too loose, or already worn by someone else. Second-hand shoes can be a problem because they’re shaped to another person’s foot, creating uneven pressure points that don’t match yours.
To protect itself, your skin thickens, forming hard, sometimes yellowish areas made of dead skin. Corns often develop on the tops or sides of toes and can feel like stepping on a small pebble.
Other less common causes include:
- Blisters from repeated rubbing
- Fungal infections, especially from used shoes, causing itching, redness, or peeling
How to treat them:
- Switch to comfortable, well-fitting shoes
- Soak feet in warm water, then gently smooth with a pumice stone
- Use padding or gel sleeves to reduce pressure
- Apply moisturizing creams (like urea-based)
- Try over-the-counter treatments with salicylic acid
If you notice pain, redness, swelling, pus, or no improvement after a few weeks, consult a foot specialist.
Taking care of your feet starts with the right shoes—and a little attention goes a long way.
