Corns are small, thickened patches of hard skin that form on the feet. They can feel tender when you press on them or slip on a snug pair of shoes. Most corns are harmless, but they can be sore and a little unsightly, so it is natural to want them gone. With a bit of patience and gentle care, most people can ease a corn at home.
This guide explains what causes corns, how to get rid of corns safely, and the signs that mean it is time to see a professional.
What causes corns
Corns are your skin’s response to pressure and rubbing. When one small area is pressed or rubbed over and over, the skin thickens to protect itself. Over time that thickened skin forms a corn.
Common causes include:
- Shoes that are too tight, too loose or narrow at the toes
- High heels, which push the weight onto the ball of the foot
- Standing or walking for long periods
- Toes that rub against each other or against the shoe
- Not wearing socks, or wearing socks that bunch up
There are two main types. Hard corns are the most common and usually appear on the tops and sides of the toes or on the sole. Soft corns are whiter and softer, and tend to form between the toes where the skin stays moist.
How to get rid of corns at home
The aim is to soften the skin, ease the pressure and give the corn time to settle. Be gentle and go slowly. Never try to cut a corn out yourself, as this can cause infection.
Soak your feet. Warm water softens hard skin. Soak for about ten minutes, then pat dry.
Ease the hard skin gently. After soaking, you can rub the corn lightly with a pumice stone or foot file. Use light, one-way strokes and stop before the skin feels sore. A little each week is far safer than a lot in one go.
Moisturise daily. Rub a moisturising cream into the area to keep the skin supple. Softer skin is less likely to build up again.
Cushion the pressure. This is the most important step. A corn will keep coming back until the pressure is removed. Corn cushions sit over the corn to take the pressure off as you walk. For gentle, longer wear, Pure Gel Corn Wraps slip over the toe and cushion the area while helping to soften the skin.
Check your shoes. Make sure there is room to wiggle your toes and that nothing rubs. Swapping to a roomier, lower pair often makes a real difference.
Give these steps a few weeks. Corns that are caused by pressure will usually fade once the pressure is gone.
When to see a podiatrist
Home care suits most mild corns, but some feet need professional attention.
Please see a podiatrist if:
- The corn is very painful, or the skin around it looks red, warm or swollen
- The corn keeps returning despite your best efforts
- You are not sure whether it is a corn or a verruca
- You have a corn between the toes that will not settle
There is one important exception. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, do not try to treat corns yourself. Reduced feeling or slower healing in the feet means small problems can turn serious quickly. Book an appointment with a podiatrist instead, and let them handle it safely.
Products that help
A few simple products make home care easier and more comfortable:
- Corn cushions to take the pressure off straight away
- Pure Gel Corn Wraps to cushion and soften the toe
- The wider corns range for other options
Becker products are not sold online, but you will find them in pharmacies across the UK.
Common questions
How long does it take to get rid of a corn?
It varies. Once the pressure is removed and the skin is softened, many corns settle within two to four weeks. If it has not improved after a few weeks of care, see a podiatrist.
Can I just cut the corn off?
No. Cutting a corn yourself risks bleeding and infection, and it does not fix the pressure that caused it. Soften, cushion and, if needed, let a podiatrist trim it safely.
Corns are common and usually easy to manage. Treat the skin kindly, take the pressure off, and give it time. If in doubt, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, a podiatrist is the safest port of call.