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Evidence-based medical guidelines. Remove corns and calluses with gentle daily care using a pumice stone or foot file after soaking in warm water to soften the skin. Apply salicylic acid (liquid or patch) daily to remove thickened skin, cleaning the area beforehand. For additional care, use urea cream (10–40%) to soften skin and protective pads to cushion and prevent friction.
January 11, 2025

Calluses and Corns: At-Home Removal

Evidence-Based Over-The-Counter Guide

William Shen

William Shen

Co-founder & CPO

See all guides. Have more questions?

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin caused by repeated friction or pressure. They are common on feet and hands. Warning: Patients with diabetes should not attempt to soften or treat corns and calluses themselves because of the risk of diabetic ulcers; instead, please see a podiatrist.

First-line recommendations: 

  • Pumice Stone/Foot File: Used after warm water soak to remove softened skin. Gently file the corn/callus daily with a natural pumice stone until resolved.

  • Salicylic acid: Softens and helps exfoliate thickened skin. Dr. Scholl's 17% salicylic acid liquid or 40% salicylic acid patches applied directly to the corn or callus once daily until resolved, after first cleaning the area with warm water and the pumice stone.

Second-line recommendations:

  • Urea Cream: Softens and hydrates thickened skin. Dose: 40% topical cream can be applied 1-2 times daily as needed.

  • Protective Pads: Adhesive cushions the affected area to prevent further friction. Use as needed.

Professional intervention:

  • Scalpel debridement or surgical excision may be indicated for larger or painful lesions

  • Customized orthotic devices may be prescribed to redistribute pressure on the affected surface.

Citations:

Burrow JG, Rome K, Padhiar N. Neale's disorders of the foot and ankle, 9th edition. Elsevier; 2020

Reilly IN, Longhurst B, Vlahovic TC. Surgical Excision of Intractable Plantar Keratoses (Corns) of the Foot: A Scoping Review. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2023; 113(6). doi: 10.7547/22-04

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