What deficiencies in the body make one prone to developing corns?

Nov 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
In general, deficiencies in vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, calcium, or zinc may increase the likelihood of developing corns. Vitamin A is essential for the health of skin and mucous membranes. A deficiency can lead to abnormal keratinocyte metabolism, causing the skin on the feet to become rough and thickened. With prolonged friction or pressure, excessive accumulation of the stratum corneum may occur, eventually resulting in corn formation.

Generally, deficiencies in vitamin A, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, and zinc may all increase the likelihood of developing corns. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A is essential for the health of skin and mucous membranes. A lack of it can lead to abnormal keratinocyte metabolism, causing the skin on the feet to become rough and thickened. With prolonged friction or pressure, excessive accumulation of keratinized tissue may occur, eventually forming corns.

2. Vitamin C deficiency: Vitamin C promotes skin tissue repair and regeneration. Its deficiency weakens the foot skin's resistance, making it difficult for the skin to heal itself when subjected to external stimuli. This increases the risk of abnormal keratin proliferation, creating favorable conditions for corn development.

3. B-complex vitamin deficiency: B-complex vitamins play a role in metabolic processes. Their deficiency can impair normal skin physiological functions, making foot skin more fragile and prone to damage from friction and pressure. Over time, this may lead to the formation of corns.

4. Calcium deficiency: Calcium plays a role in maintaining healthy skin. When deficient, skin loses elasticity and resilience, making foot skin more susceptible to wear and tear during daily walking. This increases the risk of keratin layer buildup and corn formation.

5. Zinc deficiency: Zinc supports skin cell growth and repair. A deficiency slows down the turnover rate of skin cells on the feet, impairing recovery from damage. With prolonged adverse stimulation, corns are more likely to develop.

In daily life, it's important to maintain a balanced diet by consuming foods rich in these nutrients, such as carrots, oranges, whole grains, milk, and nuts. Additionally, wearing loose and comfortable footwear helps avoid prolonged pressure or friction on the feet, reducing the risk of developing corns.