A corn is a common skin condition that typically forms on the feet, representing an area of hardened skin. These formations develop as the body’s protective response to repeated pressure or friction on the skin. Understanding their visual characteristics is important for identification.
Visual Hallmarks of Corns
Corns often appear as small, raised bumps of hardened skin. They are typically circular or conical in shape, sometimes resembling a small pebble or a corn kernel. The color of a corn can vary, usually appearing pale, yellowish, or grayish. Some corns may also have a waxy or translucent texture.
A distinctive feature of many corns is the presence of a dense, often painful, central core or “eye.” This core is the thickest part and can press deeper into the skin.
Typical Locations on the Foot
Corns commonly develop in areas of the foot that experience significant pressure or friction. Hard corns, which are small and dense, frequently form on the tops of the toes, particularly over bony prominences where shoes may rub. They can also appear on the outer edge of the little toe or on the sole of the foot where bone pressure is high.
Soft corns, in contrast, develop between the toes, most often between the fourth and fifth toes. Their appearance is typically whitish or grayish and rubbery due to moisture and inadequate drying. Pressure from adjacent toes also contributes to their formation.
Differentiating Corns from Similar Conditions
Identifying corns accurately involves distinguishing them from other common foot conditions, such as calluses and plantar warts. Corns are typically smaller and more defined than calluses, which are broader, flatter, and more spread out patches of thickened skin. While corns often have a distinct central core, calluses lack this feature. Corns are frequently painful when direct pressure is applied, whereas calluses usually cause diffuse tenderness or may not be painful unless deep. Calluses also tend to form on broader areas of friction, such as the heels or balls of the feet.
Distinguishing corns from plantar warts relies on several visual cues. Corns typically have a smooth, waxy surface, while plantar warts often exhibit a rough, grainy, or cauliflower-like texture. A key difference is the presence of tiny black dots within warts, which are clotted blood vessels, a feature absent in corns. When squeezed from side to side, warts are often painful, while corns primarily cause pain with direct pressure. Warts can disrupt the natural skin lines, whereas corns generally do not.