A Corn is a painful pea-sized swelling of the skin due to an over-growth of the surface cells caused by pressure and friction.  They are found principally on the toes over bony areas.  The term callus also refers to a small defined swelling of the skin due to an over-growth of the surface cells caused by pressure and friction, but they may occur on the hands and feet or any part of the body where there is localized pressure and friction.

Prevention

Prevention is the best treatment for corns and calluses.  Avoid localized pressure and friction on any part of the skin; for example, to prevent corns, wear soft, well fitting shoes.

Treatment

Treatment of corns and calluses involves softening with a keratolytic such as salicylic acid and rubbing with a nail file or pumice stone and paring the lesion down with a razor blade.