Corns and calluses are tough, thickened patches of skin that develop in response to repeated friction or pressure. They commonly occur on the feet, toes, hands, and fingers as the skin tries to shield itself.
A study shows that corn may be symptomatic in as many as 18% of a working population with a mode age of symptomatic onset towards the end of working life.
In general, if you’re in good health, there’s typically no need for treatment unless the corns or calluses become painful or you’re unhappy with their appearance. For many individuals, eliminating the source of friction or pressure often leads to the disappearance of corns.
Corns are typically caused by friction and pressure from various activities. Some common sources include:
While a small corn may be visually noticeable without causing any other symptoms, a larger one can lead to pain and discomfort, impacting your ability to walk comfortably. If you observe any of the following signs, it may indicate the presence of a corn:
Corns and calluses may be confused with various skin issues, such as plantar warts, ulcers, or foreign body presence. Therefore, seeking a diagnosis from a podiatrist is crucial to ensure proper treatment.
Your podiatrist will consider your skin condition history and perform a physical examination to exclude other possibilities. In rare instances, imaging may be necessary to rule out underlying conditions or foreign bodies.
Removing corn without medical supervision, particularly for individuals with diabetes or other underlying health conditions, can lead to serious complications such as diabetic ulcers or circulation issues. This also heightens the risk of infection.
A corn doctor near you can safely trim the lesion using a small knife, typically performed in a medical setting. Sometimes, the corn may reappear, necessitating repeated or regular trimming.
Surgery to remove a corn is usually recommended if the lesion is caused by structural issues in the person’s bone, such as a hammer toe or bunion.
Alternatively, a doctor may apply a patch containing 40% salicylic acid to soften the lesion. The individual may need to reapply the patch at home and use a pumice stone to prevent the corn from recurring.
When left untreated, corns will persist in spreading into the surrounding skin, causing further hardening. As corns deepen and expand, they can eventually lead to skin cracking, creating opportunities for infections to develop and spread.
Diabetic individuals need to exercise particular caution regarding corns, as foot injuries may be overlooked and escalate rapidly. Therefore, diabetic patients should promptly consult a podiatrist upon noticing any issues with their foot health.
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