A corn is a small, raised, hardened bump on the top or sides of your toes, often over the toe joints. It contains a hard core that presses into the tissue and nerves, which can cause pain. Corns form from repeated pressure and friction and often appear as shiny, dome-shaped nodules.

A callus, on the other hand, is a thicker, flat patch of hard skin typically found on the sides of the big toe or the sole. It’s caused by friction or pressure from shoes or socks and can become unsightly or uncomfortable over time

Prevention tips:
• Wear well-fitting shoes (avoid tight, pointed, or loose styles)
• Try on shoes at day’s end when feet may be swollen
• Choose correctly sized socks to avoid pressure and rubbing
• Use Kroko Heel Balm and Corn Protector plasters for added comfort

Removing corns and calluses helps:
• Relieve pain & discomfort from pressure and inflammation
• Prevent complications like nerve irritation or worsening foot pain
• Improve quality of life, especially for those who spend long hours on their feet.
• Corn treatment: Usually requires up to two weeks of daily care. Always soften the skin, treat carefully, and never cut corns yourself. Start addressing underlying pressure causes by wearing well-fitted shoes and rotating pairs regularly.

Soak your foot in warm water to soften the area.
Dry thoroughly.
Protect the healthy surrounding skin using:
A plaster with a hole or a corn ring
Or a thick layer of Vaseline
Apply a medicated ointment (e.g., Kroko Corn & Callus Remover) or a Corn Protector, cushioning as you treat.
Cover with a second plaster or protector.
Replace the dressing every two days.
Corns typically peel away within 8 days, but don’t exceed 14 days of treatment.
Warning: Do not apply near healthy skin, eyes, or the face. If you are diabetic, consult a doctor before using salicylic acid treatments.

Corn Protector:
A non-medicated foam or donut-shaped pad that relieves pressure and cushions the corn.

Corn Plaster:
A medicated padded plaster with salicylic acid, offering both treatment and cushioning in one convenient step.

It is important to get feet measured to ensure shoes are the right size. Children have growing feet which can be so easily damaged by wearing shoes which are too small and tight. Unfortunately, in South Africa this is a luxury now only offered by traditional shoe stores but one can easily measure the space at the end of the toes by pressing a thumb down on the front of the shoe to ensure there is enough room in the toe box. Ideally the big toe should have some space in front of it and the big toe should not touch the front of the shoe.

Not wearing shoes the right size will bunch up toes and cause the toes to rub and cause the thickening of skin which can become a corn or callus corns. Rigid, narrow or pointy shoes with tapering toe boxes or high heels crowd the toes and increase pressure on the toes and sides of the foot. Not wearing shoes, walking barefoot, wearing flip flops or shoes with worn out soles will cause calluses so if you want to look after your feet footwear is key. Tight socks can constrict toes and increase pressure, especially if seams rub against sensitive areas. Socks that are too loose socks can cause harm too. Loose socks can bunch up inside shoes, creating friction points that lead to corns. Going sockless, especially in summer or with tight shoes, can also increase the risk of corns.

Socks should be made of soft, breathable fabric like cotton, merino wool, or polyester blends to help reduce friction and wick moisture to prevent skin from thickening. There are now toe-separating or specialist therapeutic socks and even blister socks which cushion sore spots and reduce rubbing between toes. The material shoes are made from is also important. Smooth interiors and soft uppers reduce mechanical irritation from seams or stitching. Supportive soles and cushioning help distribute pressure evenly, preventing calluses from forming on weight-bearing areas. Breathable materials like mesh or leather help keep feet dry which reduces the risk of corns.

Both open and closed shoes can contribute to corns and calluses; it is the design, fit and repeated use that make a difference. Open shoes like flip flops and sandals can lack cushioning and have thin soles, which increase pressure on the ball and heel of the foot. Straps and seams can rub against the skin if worn for long periods or walking far and this friction can leads to corns. Sandals are mostly worn without socks so your skin is directly exposed to rubbing and pressure from the shoe. Flip flips and slides are open shoes which don’t secure the foot well allowing sliding, which increases friction and can cause calluses.

Farmers, field workers, miners and labourers who wear gum boots or safety boots all day face unique foot care challenges. Long hours, moisture, pressure, and friction can lead to corns, calluses, fungal infections, and even fatigue-related injuries. Boots should ideally have wide toes boxes, cushioned tips if they are steel-tipped as well as cushioned soles and tongues to prevent friction. Natural or moisture-wicking fabrics are best to keep feet cool and to for prevent fungal infections as well as the bacteria which cause foot odour. It is important to wear socks with safety boots and gum boots but unfortunately in South Africa socks aren’t always affordable to many labourers who don’t wear them with their boots and suffer from corns, calluses, fungal infections and sweaty, smelly feet.