Corns

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A corn is an inverted cone of hard skin which grows into the tissue. If left alone it can grow deeper leading to discomfort and pain. This can seriously affect the way we walk leading to knee, hip and back problems.

Corns are thickened areas of skin that form in response to intense pressure and friction. They form to protect the skin and the structures beneath it from damage or injury. A corn can occur under and be surrounded by callus. Corns appear as a horny thickening of the skin on the toes. This thickening appears as a cone shaped mass pointing down into the skin. Hard corns are usually located on the outer surface of the little toe or on the upper surface of the other toes, but can occur between the toes. A soft corn occurs between the toes and is kept soft by the moisture in this area. 

• Tight footwear. 

• Seam or stitch inside the shoe toe box which rubs against the toe. 

• Toe deformities, such as hammer toes – the top of the hammer toe is an area for increased pressure on the top of the toe.

•  Bony prominence. 

• Biomechanical or gait abnormalities that cause pressure under different areas of the bottom (plantar) surface of the foot. 

• Corns are usually hard and circular, with a waxy or translucent centre. They press into the deeper layers of skin that may become painful or ulcerated in response to persistent friction. Corns always occur over a bony prominence, such as a joint.  

• A podiatrist can cut away corns and calluses and can advise on footwear, shoe insoles and padding to prevent recurrences.

A callus is a broader, more diffuse area of skin thickening that usually appears on weight-bearing parts of the foot—such as the heels, ball of foot, and base of the big toe. Unlike corns, calluses do not have a central core and are generally less painful. However, excessive build-up can lead to cracking, discomfort, and heightened ulceration risk in individuals with peripheral neuropathy 

Calluses often result from:

• Poor footwear support
• Gait imbalances
• Prolonged standing or walking
• Excess body weight

Calluses are usually of a yellow colour, round or oval in shape but larger than corns. They often have ridged lines on their surface and become glassy skin over time. 

Many people have dry, hard, rough skin on their feet that doesn’t cause any discomfort. However, such areas may be unsightly and can lead to calluses and or corns – which are very painful and hard to remove.