Corns develop on the toes when the medium to long term pressure on an area. The skin thickens in response to that pressure, but becomes so thick that it becomes painful. The only way to permanently get rid of corns is to remove that cause.

Corns on toes are areas of thickened skin that develop as a protective response to repeated friction or pressure, often from ill-fitting shoes or abnormal toe alignment. They usually form on the tops or sides of toes and can be either hard (dense and compact) or soft (moist and rubbery, often found between toes). While corns themselves are not dangerous, they can be quite uncomfortable and even painful, especially when pressure is applied while walking or standing. The body creates this extra layer of skin as a defense, but over time, it can actually increase discomfort if not addressed.

The primary causes of corns include wearing tight or narrow shoes, high heels that shift weight to the front of the foot, or shoes without enough cushioning. Toe deformities like hammertoes or bunions can also contribute by creating friction points. Activities that involve repetitive motion or prolonged standing can exacerbate the problem. In some cases, people with underlying conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation may be at higher risk, as they may not notice irritation until the corns are more advanced, increasing the risk of complications.

Treatment for corns typically focuses on removing the source of friction and softening or carefully reducing the thickened skin. This can involve changing to properly fitting footwear, using protective pads or toe separators, and soaking the feet in warm water to soften the skin before gently filing with a pumice stone. Over-the-counter medicated corn pads containing salicylic acid can help dissolve the thickened skin, but they should be used with caution—especially for those with diabetes or sensitive skin. In persistent or painful cases, a podiatrist can safely trim the corn and advise on preventing recurrence.

Most Useful Resources:
Corns on Toes (Foot Health Forum)
Painful corn on toe (Foot Health Forum)
Corn on toe(Foot Health Forum)
Foot Corns & Callus (hyperkeratosis) (ePodiatry)
Corns on the Toes (Dr the Foot)
What causes corns on the toes? (Foot Health Friday)