Corns or callouses : A corn is a build-up of hard skin which forms a buffer against constant friction. It is not live, and the core is not a root-simply the hardest part of an area of hard skin. Corn plasters are not generally held to be a good idea. Although they soften the corn itself, they may also burn the healthy surrounding skin causing a painful infected area. A chiropodist is the best person to treat the corn. Meanwhile ease the friction by wearing a corn pad which will cushion the area. And leave off the shoes which caused the corn!