Corns
All About Corns
Corns are small, circular areas of thickened skin that typically develop on the feet, especially over bony areas subjected to pressure or friction. They are the body’s protective response to repeated irritation. Unlike calluses, which are broader and usually painless, corns are more localized and can be painful.
Types of Corns
Hard Corns: These are dense, compact areas of skin, often found on the tops of toes or other areas with bone pressure against the skin.
Soft Corns: Softer, whitish or grayish in appearance, these develop between toes where the skin is moist from sweat.
Seed Corns: Small, often painless corns that form on the bottom of the feet.
Causes of Corns
Ill-Fitting Footwear
Wearing tight or narrow shoes causes pressure points, leading to thickened skin and corn formation.
Foot Deformities
Bone misalignments like bunions or hammertoes create friction areas prone to corns over time.
High-Impact Activities
Excessive walking or running creates repeated foot stress, increasing chances of corn development on pressure points.
Poor Foot Hygiene
Lack of moisture and foot care allows dry skin buildup, causing friction and corn formation.
Abnormal Gait or Posture
Uneven walking patterns cause pressure imbalances, making certain areas of the foot corn-prone.
Not Wearing Socks
Shoes worn without socks increase foot-shoe friction, promoting skin hardening and painful corns.
Approaches for Corns Treatment
Self-Care Measures:
Soaking and Exfoliation: Soaking the feet in warm water and gently rubbing the corn with a pumice stone can help remove dead skin.
Moisturizing: Applying moisturizing lotions can keep the skin soft and reduce friction.
Protective Pads: Using corn pads can alleviate pressure on the affected area.
Medical Treatments:
Trimming: A healthcare provider may trim away excess skin.
Medicated Products: Salicylic acid-based treatments can help dissolve the thickened skin.
Shoe Inserts: Custom orthotics can redistribute pressure on the foot.
Symptoms of Corns
- Thickened, Raised Patch of Skin
- Tenderness or Pain on Pressure
- Flaky or Dry Skin
- Waxy or Yellowish Appearance
- Inflammation or Redness
- Discomfort While Walking
To prevent corns:
Wear Properly Fitting Shoes: Ensure shoes are comfortable and provide adequate space for your toes.
Use Protective Coverings: Pads or bandages can shield areas prone to friction.
Maintain Foot Hygiene: Regularly wash and moisturize your feet.
Trim Toenails: Keeping nails short can prevent toes from pushing against shoes.