Which factor is a cause of corns and calluses?

Which factor is a cause of corns and calluses?

• A. Tight fitting shoes
• B. Deformed toes
• C. Prolonged walking down slopes
• D. Wearing sandals occasionally

Answer: (A)

Corns and calluses form as the skin thickens in response to repeated pressure and rubbing. The most common trigger is footwear that fits tightly, which concentrates pressure on the toes and other bony areas and rubs against the skin with every step. That persistent friction prompts the skin to harden into a corn or callus as a protective adaptation. While deformities of the toes can change how pressure is distributed and may contribute in some cases, the primary driver among these options is tight-fitting shoes. Prolonged walking down slopes alters load but doesn’t by itself cause the thickened skin, and wearing sandals occasionally typically reduces friction rather than increases it.

Corns and calluses form as the skin thickens in response to repeated pressure and rubbing. The most common trigger is footwear that fits tightly, which concentrates pressure on the toes and other bony areas and rubs against the skin with every step. That persistent friction prompts the skin to harden into a corn or callus as a protective adaptation. While deformities of the toes can change how pressure is distributed and may contribute in some cases, the primary driver among these options is tight-fitting shoes. Prolonged walking down slopes alters load but doesn’t by itself cause the thickened skin, and wearing sandals occasionally typically reduces friction rather than increases it.