What are corns and calluses?
Calluses are areas of thick, hard skin that build up from pressure or rubbing, often on the balls of the feet or heels. Corns are smaller, harder spots with a core, usually on the tops or sides of toes, and they can be quite painful.
They’re your skin protecting itself. Tight or high-heeled shoes, standing all day and the shape of your foot all play a part.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Calluses and corns.
Common symptoms
- A thick, hard, yellowish patch of skin
- A small, hard, painful bump on or between the toes
- Pain when walking or wearing certain shoes
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will first check whether you have diabetes, poor circulation or numbness in your feet. If you do, it isn’t safe to treat at home and we’ll refer you to a doctor or chiropodist.
If it’s safe, they may recommend or prescribe a treatment to soften and remove the thick skin, and suggest padding and footwear changes that take the pressure off.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Salicylic acid pads, plasters and liquids (Dr. Scholl’s corn and callus removers)soften and remove thick skin; not for people with diabetes or poor circulation
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Most foot-care products are bought off the shelf, but some plans cover salicylic acid treatments when a pharmacist prescribes them. We’ll check.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, or numbness in your feet
- The area is red, warm, swollen or draining (it may be infected)
- It bleeds, or changes colour
- It keeps coming back despite better shoes (a chiropodist can help)
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.