What is a foot corn?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
A foot corn is one of the most common skin conditions, typically occurring on the feet. It commonly develops where the little toe rubs against the adjacent toe, particularly at the inner joint surfaces, and can also be found at the third metatarsal head in the central forefoot area. When standing or walking, the pointed end of the conical keratin presses into the dermal papillae, stimulating nerve endings there and causing severe pain that affects walking.
The feet are very important to the human body, yet they are relatively fragile and prone to various diseases, such as foot corns and athlete's foot. What is a foot corn?
What Is a Foot Corn?
A foot corn is one of the most common skin conditions, typically occurring on the feet—especially at the inner joint surfaces where the little toe rubs against the adjacent toe. It can also appear at the third metatarsal head in the front-middle part of the foot. When standing or walking, the pointed end of the cone-shaped keratin plug presses into the dermal papillae, stimulating nerve endings there and causing severe pain that affects walking.
Clinically, it appears as a yellowish, round or oval lesion with localized rough thickening, slightly depressed in the center and having a rough surface. The conical keratin plug irritates the dermis, causing pain; in severe cases, walking becomes difficult. This pain arises because the keratinized material within the corn stimulates nerve endings in the underlying dermis, resulting in significant discomfort. Corns are primarily caused by prolonged standing or walking, with friction and pressure being the main contributing factors—such as wearing tight shoes or having poor walking habits. These conditions make the feet more susceptible to friction or pressure, leading to thickening of the stratum corneum. Over time, this hardened skin is gradually pushed inward, forming a keratin cone and eventually developing into a corn.
Currently, the most commonly used treatments for foot corns include applying corn plasters, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), and surgical excision. If there are multiple small corns, you may try crushing Brussels sprout buds and applying them directly to the affected area, securing them with tape to help erode the corn. Soaking your feet in warm water for 15 minutes can also help. It's advisable to wear shoes with soft soles and soft uppers to reduce foot friction and prevent corn formation. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you good health and a happy life.
