Corns

Corns are a skin condition mostly developed on hands and feet. Corns on feet are developed due to friction with shoes while walking and running. Hence, friction and pressure are what cause corns. Skin becomes thickened in layers on the friction site. Shoes particularly with hard soles can become a cause of feet corns. Corns are formed mostly on the under side of the feet behind the toes or between the toes while corns on toes are mostly caused by tight fitting shoes and walking with them as it causes constant friction between the toes. They form to protect the underlying skin cells from friction damage.

Foot corns may be of different types like hard corns, soft corns and foot seed corns. Hard corns may be painful if friction continues. Soft corns are mostly underneath the foot and remain soft due to moisture. Seed corns are not very common but form near toes or heel with hard skin surrounding a stiff centre like a rice grain.

If you have painful corns, you should consult a physician and get information on how to remove corns. Mostly corns are not painful and disappear if pressure or friction is removed by changing the shoes to eliminate corns. Other ways to remove corns include removing dead skin from upper layers of the cord with a scalpel, removing the corn surgically or burning it with some acid formulation application. Silicone pads are also available which give relief for painful corns. They are placed above the corn to provide soft padding before wearing shoes and eliminate friction.

Information is easily available on net on how to treat corns but if it persists or causes pain, then it may also be infected which is not a good sign. You can compare your corn with pictures of corns available on net to evaluate their type and the treatments available for it but best cure is to avoid the causative agent and consult a physician to care for it properly.

As a precaution for corns, always wear soft soled shoes. Restrict the use of high heels as they increase the pressure and friction on the toes and front part of the foot. Narrow pointed shoes should also be avoided especially for daily use which is the most common cause of toe corns. Mostly corns are harmless but if constant pain occurs, it may hinder with your daily life and should be cured properly.