Corns are small, round mounds of firm, dead skin that form on or between the toes. Their hard, waxy core, which bores down into the skin and presses on the underlying tissue and nerves, can cause extreme pain.

Causes

Corns, like calluses, are caused by a great deal of pressure or friction on the toes, usually from ill-fitting shoes or high heels. Since the skin acts as the body's protector from the outside environment, corns form when the body attempts to protect the troubled area from more pressure by building up a mass of dead skin cells and secreting a hard substance called keratin.

People who have abnormal bone structure in their feet or certain types of arthritis tend to develop corns. Generally, however, if you don't wear high-heeled or tight-fitting shoes, you should be able to avoid the development of corns.

Symptoms

Corns are usually regular in shape and can be white, gray, or yellow. They most often form on the outside of the first or fifth toes, where pressure most often occurs. Corns that form between the toes are called soft corns; they are not as firm as other corns because of the moistness between the toes.

Treatment

Corns are best treated by first eliminating the cause of the pressure. Over-the-counter preparations are available. These include padding to reduce the friction on the area, ointments, and medicated pads. Severe or persistent corns must be treated by a doctor, but only rarely do they necessitate surgery. Because of the risk of infection, people with diabetes, atherosclerosis, or other circulatory diseases should never treat a corn themselves.



This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.