Corns are areas of skin that have thickened and hardened, often appearing on the feet and toes. This skin response develops as a protective measure against repeated friction or pressure. Sometimes, a corn may display small, dark specks, which can cause concern. These dots are common and understanding them helps differentiate them from other conditions.
Understanding Black Dots on Corns
Black dots within a corn indicate mechanical stress. These specks are often tiny bits of dried blood from capillaries that have ruptured due to localized pressure. As the corn thickens and presses inward, it can compress and damage delicate blood vessels in the underlying tissue. The blood then becomes trapped within the hardened layers of the corn, appearing as dark spots.
These dots can also be debris or dirt embedded in the thickened skin. Their presence suggests the corn is deeper and more established, not a separate or dangerous medical condition.
Corns, Warts, and Black Dots: Key Differences
Corns
Distinguishing between corns and warts is important, as both can appear on the feet and sometimes contain black dots. Corns form in response to friction and pressure, often from ill-fitting shoes or foot deformities, and are layers of dead, compacted skin. They have a central core that can feel like a small stone digging into the foot, and direct pressure on this core causes pain. Skin lines, similar to fingerprints, pass uninterrupted over the surface of a corn.
Warts
In contrast, warts, specifically plantar warts, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are viral infections of the skin. They are composed of live tissue and have a grainy or cauliflower-like appearance. The black dots seen in warts are tiny clotted blood vessels that supply the wart with nutrients. Warts are more painful when squeezed from the sides, unlike corns which hurt more with direct downward pressure. A key difference is that skin lines around a wart go around the lesion and not through it. Warts are also contagious, spreading through direct or indirect contact, which is not the case for corns.
When to Seek Professional Advice and Prevention
When to Seek Professional Advice
While many corns can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. Consult a doctor or podiatrist if a corn becomes painful, or if there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus discharge. Individuals with underlying health conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage in their feet should seek professional advice, as even minor foot issues can lead to serious complications. If home treatments are ineffective, or if there is uncertainty about whether the growth is a corn or a wart, a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Prevention
Preventing corns involves minimizing friction and pressure on the feet. Key prevention methods include:
- Wearing properly fitted shoes with ample room in the toe box, avoiding high heels.
- Using protective padding or moleskin over areas prone to friction.
- Regularly trimming toenails straight across.
- Maintaining good foot hygiene, including using a pumice stone to gently reduce thickened skin and moisturizing regularly.