Calluses are hardened layers of dead skin and they generally form on the sides or on the bottom of the feet. Calluses can also form on the palm of the hands by excessive use of the computer mouse. Normally a callus does not pain or cause any discomfort. On the other hand a corn callus is shaped like an inverted cone with the bottom flat side showing on the skin. If a corn is pressed it can be painful. The reason for the pain in a corn callus is that the tip of the corn is resting on a nerve. Calluses are generally yellowish white in color. Calluses are formed by the friction of the skin with any hard surface, like a shoe or using a tool without wearing gloves. People who play string instruments may also develop calluses on their finger tips. Some musicians prefer these calluses as it makes playing the instrument easier since the person does not feel any pain when pulling on the instruments strings. One can get calluses on their hands by lifting weights, rowing, and golfing without wearing gloves.

As calluses are dead skin they are neither harmful nor painful. But if one wants to remove a callus the best way is to take a shower and then rub the callused skin with a pumice stone (a salt and pepper looking exfoliating stone), rub the dead skin away gently. One should do this after a bath or shower or after one has soaked their feet for some time. Don’t rub too hard and if the skin starts to bleed apply an antibiotic or a band aid immediately. In case one has a corn callus it can be quite painful especially if it is on the foot and a person is wearing shoes that are either too tight or too loose. The continuous friction with the leather can cause a corn callus. One can either try to remove it as described or put a corn pad which are quite easily available. The corn pad helps to take the pressure off the corn and also softens the corn. Once one takes off the corn pad one can exfoliate the dead skin.

To get calluses removed one can also visit a chiropodist as they are called in UK or a podiatrist as they are known as in America. Basically they are doctors who have specialized in ankle and feet diseases and care and are also called foot doctors they are also professional callus removers who specialize in removing calluses. A podiatrist will also soften the callus and may use a sharp surgical knife to cut away the dead skin or use an electric callus remover which works like a sander and gently scrapes away the dead skin. Getting rid of hard callus at home is not difficult and has been described the only care required in getting rid of hard calluses at home is that one may not be able to do it in one go and may have to repeat the procedure several times before all the dead skin is removed.

Callus regeneration can happen if one continues to cause friction on the skin like not wearing gloves or wearing wrong sized shoes. If the callus regenerates it means one has not taken proper precautions and is continuing using the same shoes or ways of work or sports.

Corns and calluses are quite common and a number of people have them especially on their feet. Women get them from wearing high heeled shoes and men from wearing wrong sized shoes. Top of fingers corn callus also occurs because of friction like wearing gloves which are too small and they cause friction on the fingers especially while driving. One can also see some top of fingers corn callus picture on the internet.

As calluses are harmless one can just let them be or remove them or get them removed.