SKINIPEDIA - Skin Obesity Problems: Skin Corns

Obesity and Skin Problems: Skin Corns

Skin corns are thickenings of the skin composed of keratin that are typically found on the toes caused by repeated friction or pressure to the area. The base of the corn is seen on the surface of the skin while the top points inward, causing discomfort.

Corns are classified as either hard or soft, depending upon their location and appearance. Hard corns typically affect the tops of the toes and are composed of a dense core that presses on sensory nerves, causing extreme pain. Soft corns occur between the toes and are whiter and softer in appearance due to the continuous softening by sweat.

Signs and Symptoms

Corns are primarily located on the feet, particularly the toes. However, corns can appear anywhere that foot friction occurs, whether it is on top of the foot and even on the sole.

In the case of soft corns, well-circumscribed thickenings may be seen on the toes, and soft papules may be noted between the toes. Hard corns typically affect the tops of the toes or the side of the fifth toe, and appear like calloses.

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Prevention of corns and Calluses

• Don't wear big clunky shoes with a suit or dress.
• Avoid high heels with shorts or capri pants.
• Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause bunions, corns, or calluses and these are a painful price to pay for ill-fitting shoes.
• If you walk a lot in your job or stand for long periods of time, make sure your shoes are comfortable shoes and fit well. They should feel like you haven't even got them on.
• Don't wear extremely high heels just because they are “in”. Choose a fashionable yet comfortable shoe. A small difference in heel height can make a big difference to the way your shoes feel, and being able to walk and stand comfortably for long periods of time.

Treatment of corns and calluses

• Tape a fresh slice of lemon over the painful area overnight. Resist the temptation to squeeze it onto your breakfast of steamed mackerel the next morning.
• Rub with papaya or pineapple.
• Apply cider vinegar followed by tea tree oil.
• Corn plasters, available in any drug store, can be used to remove corns and calluses. They contain 40% salicylic acid and have very clear directions for application which need to be followed meticulously.
• Surgery is performed to treat soft corns.
• Applying lanolin-enriched lotion to help the skin become soft around the corn can also be an option.
• Wearing a donut-shaped foam pad over the corn will also help relieve the pressure.
• Using a pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the corn.
• Using padding to prevent the pressure.

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