Corns

Corns are small areas of embedded thick skin which are often cone shaped with the pointed end protruding into the foot. They grow over bony areas where there is a lack of natural cushioning and are sore and painful when pressed or walked upon.

They develop as a result of pressure and friction in a specific spot of the foot, often in between toes, tops of toes or the sole of the foot.

What Causes Corns

  • Inappropriate foot wear – either too loose allowing friction, or, too tight causing pressure. Old shoes and trainers can also have lost their support and cushioning and may need replacing or new insoles added
  • Biomechanical – flat feet, bunions, or, hammer toes

Types of Corn

  • Hard Corns (Heloma Durum) – often appear as small circular patches of skin with a hard core
  • Soft Corns (Heloma Molle) – appear as white tender areas between the toes
  • Seed Corns (Heloma Milliare) – usually seen as small clusters on the sole of the feet

All corns are very painful when pressure is applied, but surprisingly painless when removed by a competent practitioner. Removal can give immediate relief, but it is worth noting the corn will always return if the original problem is not rectified.

Treatments For Corns

  • Excision of the corn by a qualified Foot Health Practitioner, Podiatrist or Chiropodist
  • Corn pads – can be helpful for some, but can erode some of the healthy surrounding skin, causing soreness.
  • Where the problem is biomechanical, clients can often solve their own problem with the use of insoles or silicon pads after the corn has been removed, to help prevent its recurrence

NB Those with Diabetes and other Circulation problems should never try to treat a corn at home, as sore broken skin may lead to infection

Treatment for Corns