What are corns?
Corns are thick, hardened layers of skin that form in response to response to pressure and friction. They’re a natural way that your skin tries to protect itself from damage and irritation.
Corns are similar to calluses. However, corns usually form on non-weight-bearing areas of your feet, like the tops and sides of your toes, while calluses form on the soles of your feet. Though they’re not dangerous, they can become painful, especially if you don’t remove the source of the pressure and friction.
You can recognize a corn by these characteristics:
- A thick, rough, yellowing patch of skin
- Circular with a clearly defined, often hard bump in the middle
- Pain or tenderness when you press on it
- Dry, flaky skin on the surface
Though corns usually aren’t a serious problem, they can cause serious discomfort. They may also be a cause for concern if you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects your circulation and healing.
How do corns form?
Corns are a protective layer that forms in response to excessive friction. Usually, your footwear is the source of friction or pressure on your toes. Your shoes may be too tight or loose, or could have a badly placed seam that rubs against your skin. It’s also common to develop corns or calluses if you wear shoes without socks or frequently go barefoot.
Corns often accompany other foot conditions, including:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Deformities
- Injuries
If you have painful or recurring corns, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jurcisin. It’s best not to try trimming down or removing corns on your own, especially if you have diabetes. He can also help you prevent them from coming back.
How are corns treated?
Many corns respond to conservative treatment. It’s often sufficient to remove the source of friction or pressure. Padding, orthotics, or changing your shoes can allow your corns to heal and prevent them from coming back.
In most cases, these simple measures are enough to remedy your corns, which you can keep soft and moisturized in the meantime.
If you have painful, persistent corns, the next step may be for Dr. Jurcisin to pare down or remove the corn. It’s important not to try doing this at home, especially if you have diabetes. Doing so can lead to a wound or infection, which is a serious problem when you have circulatory problems.
To get expert care for corns, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jurcisin at Precision Footcare online or over the phone.
