A corn is a small circular thickened lesion in the skin that usually form on bony areas of the foot, such as the joints of toes. It usually forms due to repeated pressure on the skin, such as the rubbing of a shoe and commonly develop where the skin is thin and glabrous (hairless and smooth). The name “corn” comes from its resemblance to a kernel of corn.
Moreover, corns caused by hammer toe and other toe deformities often develop on the tops of or at the tips of the toes, but corns most often develop on the tops of the toes over joints. These corns are hard. Corns that develop between the toes are soft. Corns may be pea-sized or slightly larger.
Corns Vs. Calluses
Corns differ from calluses as they have a hard core surrounded by inflamed skin. Because their shape is typically well defined, they can often be mistaken for warts.
Corns are hard cone-shaped bumps of skin commonly found on the top surface of the smaller toes, particularly over a joint while calluses are broader, flat thickenings of the skin usually located on the palms or soles.
Both are the result of hyperkeratinization or thickening of the top layer of skin, known as the stratum corneum. Corns and calluses are usually caused by intermittent friction and pressure, particularly in people who wear tight or ill-fitting shoes.
Symptoms
Corns typically have a rough, dull appearance. They may be raised or rounded, and they can be hard to differentiate from warts. Also, corns sometimes cause pain.
Causes
- Excessive pressure at the balls of the feet, common in women who regularly wear high heels;
- Shoes that don’t fit properly. If shoes are too tight, they squeeze the foot, increasing pressure. If they are too loose, the foot may slide and rub against the shoe, creating friction;
- Toe deformities, such as hammer toe or claw toe;
- Rubbing against a seam or stitch inside the shoe;
- Socks that don’t fit properly.
Diagnosis
Corns usually are easily seen. They may have a tender spot in the middle, surrounded by yellowish dead skin. Treating foot problems like corns is a team effort. You will need to work with your physician to ensure that problems don’t recur.
Home Remedies
- Remove the source of irritation. Wear shoes that fit properly and have a roomy toe area. Replace shoes that are too tight or loose. Your feet age and begin to experience changes in the arches or thickness of the skin.
- Soak your foot in warm water. You may also prefer to use a pumice stone or callus file to soften and reduce the size of corns and calluses. Doing so for 10 to 20 minutes can soften the skin and may help relieve some of the pain. Once finished, dry thoroughly, use an extra-thick, emollient-rich lotion or cream to lock in the moisture and keep the skin soft.
- Wear a donut – shaped foam pad over the corn to help relieve the pressure. Use non-medicated corn pads; medicated pads containing salicylic acid may increase irritation and result in infection. While some of these can be effective in removing a corn, discontinue use if you experience any pain or skin irritation. You should avoid these products if you have diabetic neuropathy or any condition that affects the blood flow to the foot.
- Use toe separators or a bit of lamb’s wool, not cotton, between your toes to help cushion soft corns.
When To See A Podiatrist
If a corn is painful, bleeding, causing discomfort, or inhibiting your daily life in any way, see a podiatrist. Pain or bleeding is an indication that the deeper layers of skin are being affected. Ignoring these symptoms may result in otherwise avoidable complications, such as infection or ulcerations. Also, people with diabetes, poor circulation, or other serious illnesses should have their feet checked.
Treatment may involve debridement (the removal of damaged tissue) or the paring (cutting out) of a corn with a scalpel. It is important to note that corns and calluses will often return even after effective treatment. If they become problematic, surgery may be considered. This should only be considered if all other conservative forms of treatment have failed to provide relief.
In such a case, surgical enucleation (the removal of the hardened core), bunionectomy (removal of a bunion), or even foot alignment surgery may be considered.
Prevention
- Wear properly fitted shoes. If you have any deformities of the toe or foot, talk to your podiatrist to find out what shoes are best for you.
- Gel pad inserts may decrease friction points and pressure. Your podiatrist can help you determine where pads might be useful.
Sources:
1. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-corns-calluses-basics
2. https://www.medicinenet.com/corns/article.htm
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355951
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