What Helps with Corns? How to Treat Corns?

Corns are areas of thickened skin that develop due to repeated pressure, friction, or irritation. They are most commonly seen on the hands and fingers. The most frequent cause of corns is ill-fitting shoes. With a bit of care and attention, most corns can be treated. While corns typically respond well to simple home treatments, severe cases or recurrent corns may require medical attention. Foot care and choosing appropriate footwear are effective measures in preventing the formation of corns.

What is a Corn? What Causes Corns?

Corns are thickened layers of skin that form as a protective response to preserve skin tissue. The hardened, thickened layer of dead skin cells that appears on the surface of the skin serves to protect the underlying tissues. Corns can develop over any bony prominence and are commonly seen on the feet and toes, as well as on the hands and fingers. The inner part of the foot, the heel, and the underside of the big toe are frequently affected. Corns usually appear flat and are painless. Some of the causes of corns include:

Shoe Incompatibility: Tight or pointy shoes can put pressure on the toes, leading to the formation of corns. Wearing inappropriate footwear that does not conform to the anatomy of the foot can increase pressure on the feet.
Prolonged Standing or Walking: Feet are continuously subjected to pressure during prolonged standing or walking. This can trigger corn formation, especially when inappropriate shoes are worn.
Foot Deformities: Foot deformities such as bunions (hammertoe) or claw toes (mallet toe) can lead to focused pressure on certain areas of the skin, resulting in corns.
High Heels: High-heeled shoes can exert extra pressure on the forefoot, which may trigger corn formation. Shoes that are not anatomically suitable can exacerbate this condition.

Additionally, not wearing socks with shoes, having socks that slide or bunch underfoot while wearing shoes, and walking in a way that places excessive load on the inner or outer edges of the foot can also cause corns. Choosing appropriate footwear, regular foot care, and wearing soft-soled shoes can be beneficial measures for preventing and treating corns.

What are the Symptoms of Corns?

Corns typically appear rough and dull on the surface of the skin. Some symptoms associated with corns include:

Thickened Skin: The primary symptom of a corn is the thickening and hardening of the skin in the affected area. This thickening is often yellowish or brown in color.
Hard Structure: Corns usually have a hard texture. Because they form in areas of the foot under pressure, they create a concentrated hardened structure in a specific area of the skin.
Pain or Discomfort: Corns can often cause pain when walking or standing, especially at points where the shoe exerts constant pressure.
Presence of a Core (Nucleus): Hard corns often contain a core or protrusion in the center, indicating that the skin has thickened more intensively at a single point.
Change in Skin Color: The skin in the area where corns occur often appears different from the surrounding healthy skin, showing yellow or brown discolorations.
Flaking of Skin in Pieces: The layer of dead skin over hard corns can peel off in pieces, indicating that the skin just above the corn has thickened further.

What Helps Corns? What Are the Natural Remedies for Corns?

Corn treatment typically begins with simple methods that can be applied at home. In severe cases or when corns recur frequently, medical supervision is necessary. Some treatment methods administered under medical supervision include:

Corn Removal (Debridement): In severe cases, a specialist may remove the thickened skin over the corn. This can provide quick relief, but there is a risk of the corn recurring.
Salicylic Acid Application: Doctors may recommend special creams or pads containing salicylic acid to be applied topically to the corn. This chemical can soften the thickened skin, making it easier to remove the corn.
Corn Removal Methods: Removing the corn using special devices like an electrocautery or laser can be performed under medical supervision.
Special Shoes, Pads, or Insoles: Doctors may suggest specially designed shoes, insoles, or pads that fit the patient’s foot structure. This can provide support that aligns with foot anatomy, reducing the risk of corn recurrence.
Foot Exercises: If foot deformities contribute to corn formation, doctors may prescribe special exercises and physical therapy sessions.
Topical Corticosteroid Creams: Doctors may provide topical corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation and irritation around the corn.

In the case of initial conditions or mild symptoms, natural remedies can be used at home. Since individuals may have different allergic reactions or general health conditions, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using home remedies as a medical treatment. The following methods can be applied to alleviate or heal corns with natural remedies at home:

Foot Care: Regularly soaking the corn in warm water and gently cleaning the layer of dead skin with a soft brush or pumice stone is the initial step. This can help reduce the thickened layer over the corn.
Warm Foot Baths: Soaking the feet in warm water can help soften the skin over the corn, making it easier to clean. During this bath, adding a few drops of lavender oil to the water can provide a relaxing effect if there is no allergy to lavender.
Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce irritation around the corn. Natural aloe vera gel can provide relief when applied to the corn.
Olive Oil and Lemon Mixture: A mixture of olive oil and lemon can nourish and soften the skin when applied to the corn. The natural acidic properties of lemon can help alleviate the thickened skin.
Moisturizing Foot Creams: Using moisturizing and softening foot creams provided by a doctor can soften the skin in the area where the corn has formed, relieving pain.
Shoe Selection: Choosing the right shoes can prevent corn formation. Shoes should have a wide toe box and be comfortable.
Cold Compress: Applying cold as instructed by the doctor to hard corns can relieve pain and reduce any inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corns are a common condition that can cause discomfort and sometimes pain in daily life. When diagnosis and treatment are delayed, symptoms can worsen.

How to Prevent Corns?

To prevent corns, it is important to pay attention to foot health and take appropriate measures to reduce friction on the body. First, careful attention should be paid to shoe selection; narrow or pointed shoes should be avoided, and comfortable, appropriately sized shoes should be preferred. Keeping the feet dry and regularly trimmed nails can reduce corn formation. Taking regular breaks to avoid keeping the feet in the same position for long periods is also an effective preventive measure. Additionally, if there are any deformities in the feet or toes, consulting a doctor can be a preventive step.

Do Corns Hurt?

Corns can be painful or painless. Some corns are usually not painful when they first appear. They can become painful as they thicken. Raised areas of the skin may be more sensitive to touch or pressure. Corns are less sensitive to touch compared to the surrounding normal skin. Sometimes, cracks can form in the corn, which can be painful. If the corn becomes infected, pain is often present.

Do Corns Recur?

Corns can recur, especially if the underlying causes persist. Therefore, it is important to address the factors causing the corn.

Corns are a condition that affects individuals' daily lives and causes discomfort. Patients who experience symptoms of corns can make an appointment at a dermatology clinic to begin treatment.

Last Updated Date: 09 February 2024

Publication Date: 09 February 2024

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