From the Guidelines
A corn on the foot is a small, thickened area of skin with a hard center that typically develops on pressure points, particularly on the tops and sides of toes or on the soles of the feet, as described in the study by 1. Corns form as a protective response to repeated friction or pressure, with the body creating a hardened area to shield underlying tissues. They appear as raised, hardened bumps with a central core that can be painful when pressed. Unlike calluses which are larger and flatter, corns are smaller with a distinct center.
Key Characteristics of Corns
- Small, thickened area of skin with a hard center
- Develops on pressure points, particularly on the tops and sides of toes or on the soles of the feet
- Forms as a protective response to repeated friction or pressure
- Appears as a raised, hardened bump with a central core that can be painful when pressed
- Smaller than calluses with a distinct center According to the study by 1, heloma (corn) is a common condition that can be encountered, and heloma miliare (seed corns) are frequently seen due to toe and foot deformity.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment options include:
- Using over-the-counter salicylic acid products (like Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers)
- Soaking feet in warm water to soften the corn before gently filing with a pumice stone
- Wearing properly fitting shoes with padding to reduce pressure
- For persistent or painful corns, a podiatrist can safely remove them and address underlying causes Prevention involves:
- Wearing comfortable shoes
- Using protective padding
- Keeping feet moisturized to prevent skin dryness that contributes to corn formation As noted in the study by 1, pressure redistribution and cushioning are helpful to prevent development of hyperkeratosis, which can lead to corn formation.
From the FDA Drug Label
Indications and Usage For debridement and promotion of normal healing of hyperkeratotic surface lesions, particularly where healing is retarded by local infection, necrotic tissue, fibrinous or purulent debris or eschar. Urea is useful for the treatment of hyperkeratotic conditions such as dry, rough skin, dermatitis, psoriasis, xerosis, ichthyosis, eczema, keratosis pilaris, keratosis palmaris, keratoderma, corns and calluses, as well as damaged, ingrown and devitalized nails. The description of corns on the foot is a type of hyperkeratotic condition.
- Corns are mentioned as one of the conditions that can be treated with urea, along with other skin conditions. 2
From the Research
Description of Corn on Foot
- Corns are a common foot problem, characterized by a thick and hard callus due to repetitive trauma or friction 3
- They can develop on the palms, knees, or soles of feet, especially under the heels or balls 4
- Corns can cause pain, mobility impairment, and functional limitations, particularly in older people 4
Location and Prevalence of Corns
- A study found that 90.3% of patients had corns on their feet, while 9.7% had them on their hands 3
- Corns can occur on various parts of the foot, including the plantar surface, dorsal surface, and interdigital areas 5, 6
- Plantar hyperkeratosis, including corns and calluses, is a common condition that can lead to pain and disability 4