Corns and hard skin in Rochdale
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin caused by pressure and friction. At Ray's Podiatry they're removed as part of a 30-minute routine treatment (£39): hard skin is pared down and the hard centre of a corn is taken out, which usually eases the pain straight away. Ray also looks at why they formed, so they're slower to come back.
Updated October 2026 by Ray's Podiatry
Book if you notice
- A small, hard, painful spot on a toe or the sole
- Thick, yellowish skin on the heel or ball of the foot
- Cracked heels
- Pain when walking in certain shoes
What’s included
- Hard skin reduced (callus debridement)
- Corns removed (enucleation)
- Emollient applied
- Advice on padding and footwear
What happens
- Step 1
Find the pressure
Ray checks where the corn or callus sits and what in your shoes or walking is causing it.
- Step 2
Remove it
Callus is reduced layer by layer and the corn's hard core is removed with a sterile blade.
- Step 3
Protect it
Emollient is applied, and you're advised on padding, footwear or insoles to take the pressure off.
Between appointments
- Moisturise daily with a foot cream containing urea.
- Choose shoes with room for your toes and a low heel.
- Avoid medicated corn plasters if you have diabetes, poor circulation or fragile skin.
Questions about corns and hard skin
What's the difference between a corn and a callus?
- A callus is a broad patch of hard skin, usually on the heel or ball of the foot. A corn is smaller and deeper, with a hard core that presses into the skin, which is why corns hurt.
Will my corn come back?
- It can, if the pressure that caused it carries on. Removing the corn eases the pain; changing footwear, padding or insoles deals with the cause. Regular routine treatment keeps them under control.
Should I use corn plasters?
- The NHS advises against medicated corn plasters if you have diabetes, circulation problems or fragile skin, because the acid in them can damage healthy skin. Ask Ray first.