Corns
Definition
Small calloused areas of skin caused by local pressure irritating tissue over a bony prominence. Corns most commonly occur over a toe where they form what is referred to as a hard corn. Between the toes, pressure can form a soft corn of macerated skin which often yellows.
Corns usually appear on non-weight-bearing areas like the outside of the little toe or the tops of other toes. Women have corns more often than men, probably because women wear high-heeled shoes and other shoes that do not fit properly. Corns have hard cores shaped like inverted pyramids. Sharp pain occurs whenever downward pressure is applied, and a dull ache may be felt at other times
Causes
Calluses and corns are caused over a period of time by repeated pressure or friction on an area of skin. The pressure causes the skin to die and form a hard, protective surface. A soft corn is formed in the same way, except that when perspiration is trapped where the corn develops, the hard core softens. This generally occurs between toes. Calluses and corns are not caused by a virus and are not contagious.
Repeated handling of an object that puts pressure on the hand, such as tools (gardening hoe or hammer) or sports equipment (tennis racquet), typically causes calluses on the hands.
Calluses and corns on the feet are often caused by pressure from footwear.
• Tight shoes squeeze the foot.
• High-heeled shoes squeeze the front part of the foot.
• Loose shoes may cause your foot to slide and rub against the shoe.
• Shoes with a thin sole can create more pressure on the ball of the foot when walking than do thicker-soled shoes.
• Wearing sandals and shoes without socks can lead to increased friction.
• The foot may rub against a seam or stitch inside the shoe.
• Socks that don’t fit may result in pressure where a sock bunches up.
Treatment and Prevention
Severe or persistent corns must be treated by a doctor, however, they rarely require surgery.
Persons with diabetes, atherosclerosis or other circulatory diseases should never treat a corn themselves, as their risk of infection is much greater.
Many acid preparations are available for reducing corns and calluses. A commonly used prescription preparation is a mixture of salicylic acid, lactic acids and collodion (Duofilm, Salactic Film and Viranol).
The over-the-counter acids are weaker than their prescription counterparts, such as trichloroacetic acid, 80 percent (Tri-Chlor). Such preparations may be more harmful than helpful, because the bony prominences of the toes have such thin coverings. Acids should not be used by diabetic patients and are not advisable for individuals with impaired sensation or for the elderly with thin skin.
Reducing the friction that caused the corn or callus is the best form of treatment and future prevention. For example, if your corn was caused by a shoe that does not fit properly, changing to a new shoe should eliminate the corn within a couple of weeks. Other self-care home remedies include:
• Place protective covering or bandages over the sore to decrease friction on the skin until the sore heals. This can be done with a donut-shaped corn pads (available in most pharmacies).
• Apply moisturizing agents such as lotions to dry calluses and corns.
• Rub sandpaper disks or pumice stone over hard thickened regions.
• Avoid stress to hands or feet by using gloves or changing shoes or socks.
• Soak feet or hands in warm soapy water to soften corns and calluses.
With proper care, your corn or callus should fade away in a few weeks. However, if the affected area becomes infected or if an ulcer occurs, contact your podiatrist as soon as possible. They will be able to remove the unhealthy tissue and prescribe an antibiotic for the infection.
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