Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet, typically due to repeated pressure or friction. They often appear as small, raised bumps with a hard center, and can cause discomfort or pain when pressure is applied. Corns are distinct from calluses, which are generally larger, broader areas of thickened skin that are usually painless.
Corns frequently recur, meaning they can return even after treatment, often because the underlying cause is not fully addressed.
What Are Corns and Why Do They Form?
Corns form as the body’s protective response to consistent rubbing, irritation, or pressure on the skin. This thickening, known as hyperkeratosis, creates the hard layers characteristic of a corn.
These formations commonly occur on the toes or other bony areas of the feet, where bones may press against footwear. Common causes include ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or too loose, high-heeled shoes that shift weight to the forefoot, and wearing shoes without socks, which increases friction. Foot deformities like hammertoes or bunions can also contribute by creating abnormal pressure points.
Understanding Corn Recurrence
Corns tend to return because the primary source of pressure or friction that caused them initially often remains. If this mechanical stress is not eliminated, the skin continues its protective response, leading to reformation. This is especially true for corns over bony prominences or joints. Even after removal, underlying issues like footwear or uncorrected foot mechanics can trigger reappearance. Addressing the root cause is necessary for long-term relief.
Strategies for Preventing Corn Recurrence
Proper footwear is an important step in preventing corns from returning; shoes should fit well, providing ample toe room and avoiding excessive tightness or looseness. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box allows toes to move freely and reduces pressure. Soft, flexible shoe materials like leather or mesh can also minimize rubbing.
Protective measures like corn pads or moleskin can cushion vulnerable areas, redistributing pressure away from the corn. Insoles or custom orthotics can help by evening out weight-bearing forces and correcting biomechanical issues like overpronation. Regularly trimming toenails straight across also helps prevent toes from pushing against shoes, reducing friction.
Consistent foot care also plays a role in prevention. Daily washing and moisturizing of the feet can keep skin soft and supple, reducing the likelihood of excessive dryness and cracking. Gently using a pumice stone on softened skin can help manage callus buildup before it develops into a painful corn, but this should be done carefully to avoid removing too much skin. Rotating footwear allows different pressure points to be engaged, preventing continuous stress on one area.
Managing Persistent or Recurring Corns
When corns continue to recur despite at-home preventive measures, or if they cause significant pain, professional assessment is beneficial. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause, such as specific foot deformities or gait abnormalities, that contribute to recurrent corns. These professionals can precisely remove the hardened skin and the central core of the corn, a process called debridement or paring, which provides immediate relief.
Custom orthotics prescribed by a specialist can address structural issues by realigning the foot and redistributing pressure, helping to prevent future corns. In some cases, if conservative treatments are insufficient or if a bony prominence is the root cause, surgical intervention might be considered to correct the underlying structural issue. Self-treatment with medicated pads containing salicylic acid should be approached with caution, especially for individuals with diabetes or poor circulation, as these can irritate healthy skin and potentially lead to infection.