Skin problems — corns, calluses & warts

Corns. Cracked heels. A patch of hard skin, or something that’s bothered you since last summer.

On this page

Corn, callus or wart: what might it be?

Corn, callus or wart?

These can look similar but may need different care. Pressure-related hard skin, a viral wart, a crack or a foreign body can all cause a tender spot. Avoid relying on one visual sign.

Other skin patterns we may consider

Tell us if the area is spreading, bleeding, changing colour, repeatedly cracking, or has not settled with an over-the-counter product. These details help distinguish common pressure, viral, fungal and inflammatory causes.

What should I do now about a corn, callus or wart?

Do not cut painful corns or skin lesions yourself, especially with diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation. Read NHS advice on corns and calluses.

When it’s worth getting checked: a corn or callus keeps returning despite home care or makes standing and walking painful, a wart spreads or bleeds, athlete’s foot doesn’t settle with over-the-counter treatment, or a crack in your heel won’t settle.

Diabetes, reduced circulation or reduced feeling changes what is safe to manage at home, so please mention these when booking. A skin break that is worsening, or redness that is spreading, needs same-day care: see when to seek urgent medical care and when a foot wound needs urgent care.

What could happen at a corn and callus appointment in Burwood?

How we assess and manage skin concerns

We look at the area and ask how it has changed, what makes it sore and what home products or treatments you have tried.
We explain whether it looks more like a corn, callus, wart or cracked skin, since each may need different care, and whether testing or medical review is worth considering first.
Where appropriate, care may include reducing hard skin, protecting pressure areas, footwear advice or discussing treatment for a wart or fungal concern.
We explain what care may feel like, what to do at home and when the area should be reviewed.