Corns
DEFINITION
A corn is a horny mass of thickened, hardened skin with a
conical shape. They are caused by hard, dense skin on the feet.
Corns are also sometimes found on the hands.
conical shape. They are caused by hard, dense skin on the feet.
Corns are also sometimes found on the hands.
DESCRIPTION
Corns are layers of hard, dense skin that builds up from a
number of causes including friction and pressure from ill-fitting
shoes, weakened arches or tight fitting hosiery. Corns on the hands
can be caused by using a shovel or broom as well as sporting
equipment such as bats and gymnasium equipment. Corns do not have
roots under the skin. Corns are usually found over toe joints and
between the toes. Friction is the main cause of corns developing.
They are the most common foot problem.
number of causes including friction and pressure from ill-fitting
shoes, weakened arches or tight fitting hosiery. Corns on the hands
can be caused by using a shovel or broom as well as sporting
equipment such as bats and gymnasium equipment. Corns do not have
roots under the skin. Corns are usually found over toe joints and
between the toes. Friction is the main cause of corns developing.
They are the most common foot problem.
There are two types of corns:
Hard Corns
These are usually small (usually pea-sized or slightly
larger), well-defined, elevated conical areas on the skin. They
consist of a central core surrounded by an overgrowth of skin. The
skin is shiny and yellowish or greyish in colour. Hard corns occur
on bony protuberances especially on areas of the feet which are
subject to pressure or friction. They may appear on the ends of the
middle toes, the outside of the fifth toe and the bulb of the big
toe. Shoes which are too small for the feet, or wearing high heels
are two of the main causes. These corns can be very painful
particularly when wearing footwear as there is pressure on the
central core of the corn with every step. This central core is very
sensitive to the touch.
larger), well-defined, elevated conical areas on the skin. They
consist of a central core surrounded by an overgrowth of skin. The
skin is shiny and yellowish or greyish in colour. Hard corns occur
on bony protuberances especially on areas of the feet which are
subject to pressure or friction. They may appear on the ends of the
middle toes, the outside of the fifth toe and the bulb of the big
toe. Shoes which are too small for the feet, or wearing high heels
are two of the main causes. These corns can be very painful
particularly when wearing footwear as there is pressure on the
central core of the corn with every step. This central core is very
sensitive to the touch.
Soft Corns
These are slightly raised above the skin surface and are
whitish in colour and found mainly between or on the sides of the
toes. They are caused by pressure of the joint of one toe pressing
against another, particularly if shoes are worn which are too small
and force the toes together in the front of the shoe. The constant
friction may result in a soft corn and the most common area
affected is between the fourth and fifth toes. They are kept damp
and irritated by moisture and the pressure of the surrounding toes.
The soft corn can be quite painful particularly when wearing
shoes.
whitish in colour and found mainly between or on the sides of the
toes. They are caused by pressure of the joint of one toe pressing
against another, particularly if shoes are worn which are too small
and force the toes together in the front of the shoe. The constant
friction may result in a soft corn and the most common area
affected is between the fourth and fifth toes. They are kept damp
and irritated by moisture and the pressure of the surrounding toes.
The soft corn can be quite painful particularly when wearing
shoes.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
Contact the Australian Podiatry Association
National Office (03) 9819 0755; NSW (02) 9698 3751; QLD (07)
3282 7066; SA (08) 370 9348; TAS (002) 29 7393; VIC (03) 9866 5906;
WA (09) 386 1560.
3282 7066; SA (08) 370 9348; TAS (002) 29 7393; VIC (03) 9866 5906;
WA (09) 386 1560.
New Zealand Podiatry Association (04) 387 3454
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
- Ask your Pharmacist for advice.Remove the causes of the
pressure and friction. Wear shoes which have a broad-toe area and
which distribute the weight evenly over the foot. A flat-heeled
shoe is best with an arch support. Your Pharmacy may stock special
“health shoes”. - If your feet are affected soak them in warm water to which has
been added a little bath salts. Ask your Pharmacist which is the
best. - Use a pad over the corn to help stop the pressure and friction.
Make sure that you use the correct pad e.g., soft corns have a
special soft corn pad. Some pads contain a product usually
salicylic acid to help burn the corn away. Soak the feet first for
about 10 minutes in warm water to help soften the outer layer of
skin on the corn or callous. - A pumice stone can be used to help rub any hard skin away. Use
it in the bath when the skin is wet. Ask your Pharmacist for
suggestions. - There is a cream and a lotion available to help keep the skin
soft. This should be used regularly on any area where you have hard
skin.