Understanding Different Types of Corns on Your Feet

Corns can be more than just an annoyance; they can significantly impact your daily life. If left untreated, these common foot conditions lead to discomfort and pain. Corns form in response to friction and pressure, often caused by shoes that don’t fit properly or irregular foot mechanics. Some people inherit a propensity to develop corns. By recognizing the three main types of corns—hard, soft, and seeded—you can take meaningful steps to manage and treat them effectively.

Preventing Corns

The best way to handle corns is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Here are some effective tips to maintain healthy feet:

• Choose the Right Footwear: Select shoes that fit well and provide enough room for your toes. A staggering 70% of people wear improperly fitting shoes, which can lead to corn formation.

  
  

• Maintain Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, checking regularly for any signs of pressure or friction.

  
  

Furthermore, regular foot care can help minimize the risk of developing corns. Moisturizing dry areas ensures skin elasticity and prevents thickening. When choosing a moisturizer, opt for a cream rather than a lotion as it is thicker and more effective. Oatmeal formulas have research confirming their efficacy, however it may take a little trial and error to find a skin cream you like both the feel and function of. Don't forget to moisturize the bottoms of your feet!

Corns, unlike warts, do not have a "root" that can be removed to avoid recurrence. While seed corns don't usually reappear, soft and hard corns will continue to recur until the pressure that's causing them is relieved. This may require special silicone padding or "strapping" to keep toes separated or keep bony prominences from rubbing, orthotics, or even finding more specialized footwear that have a higher and wider toe box to prevent pressure on bunions or toes that stick up too high.

What Are Hard Corns?

Hard corns stand out due to their location over bony areas like the knuckles or sides of toes. They develop as the skin thickens in response to repeated friction, resulting in a small, rounded area of thickened skin. These are frequently seen on the bony prominences of hammer toes and bunions. A Lister's corn is a specific hard corn that forms on the outer side of the baby toe and is often mistaken for an extra toe nail. According to a foot health study, nearly 30% of people experience hard corns at some point in their lives.

These corns can be quite painful, especially under pressure. To effectively manage hard corns, the primary approach is to reduce the pressure causing the friction. This could mean switching to more comfortable footwear, using corn pads, or even customizing your shoes for better fit.

Hard corns can be managed at home by gently using a pumice stone to decrease their thickness over several days or weeks. The best time to do this is right after bathing while the skin is softer.

What Are Soft Corns?

Soft corns typically form between the toes, where moisture and friction can make the skin soften and thicken. They appear as white patches of skin and become increasingly painful as they develop. About 10% of individuals with corns report experiencing soft corns, particularly among those who wear tight-fitting shoes. People with age- or trauma-related structural changes to their feet, such as overlapping toes and bunions, are more prone to soft corns.

The most common prevention strategy is ensuring proper foot hygiene. Regularly drying the spaces between your toes and opting for breathable shoes can go a long way. Additionally, selecting moisture-wicking socks can prevent moisture buildup that leads to soft corns. Those who struggle to reach their feet can use a simple system of a baby washcloth wrapped around a rubber spatula (that is only used for the feet!) and secured with an elastic band in order to dry between the toes. Be sure to use a fresh cloth every time.

Foot hygiene and appropriate footwear may not be enough though, and silicone toe sleeves, toe crest pads, or toe spacers may be needed to prevent recurrence. Your foot care provider can come up with an individualized plan and provide you with appropriate padding.

What Are Seeded Corns?

Seeded corns are less familiar to many, yet they can be quite bothersome. The exact cause isn't known, but it's thought that they may arise from blocked sweat glands, creating small, painful "seeds" or hardened areas beneath the skin on the sole of the foot. Though they may not be immediately visible, they can hurt significantly when pressure is applied. Eventually the foot will build a large callus around the corn seed to protect itself from the irritation it causes. These corns usually feel like there is something stuck in your shoe or on the bottom of your foot, and are often difficult for the average person to differentiate from a wart. People with decreased sensation in their feet from diabetes or other causes may not notice they have these corns unless they regularly inspect their feet.

Managing seeded corns requires professional help. A qualified foot practitioner can use a specialized rotary tool and bit to safely remove the seed without damaging the healthy skin. Depending on the size and depth of the corn, more than one appointment may be needed to remove it.

Managing Corns at Home

If you're dealing with corns at home, simple strategies can alleviate discomfort.

Commercially available corn pads are oval, spongy doughnuts that sit around the corn. These pads take pressure off the affected areas and can significantly reduce pain when walking or standing. In fact, studies show that 70% of people find corn pads helpful for relieving pressure. Make sure you are not using medicated pads.

Using a pumice or fine-grit foot file to gently reduce the thickness of the corn can also help. This is easier to do right after bathing while the skin is softer. Be very careful filing soft corns - the skin is already a bit too soft and could tear.

Avoid over-the-counter medicated corn pads or shaving/grating tools. While tempting, these can damage healthy surrounding skin, sometimes leading to severe complications. Medicated corn pads have a harsh chemical that can cause ulceration the skin surrounding the corn, which can then be difficult to heal. Shaving and grating tools can take off too much skin, and can also leave very rough edges that may catch on socks or scratch your other leg. Instead, focus on gentle solutions to help manage your corns.

When to Seek Professional Help

Home strategies may not always be enough. If corns become too painful, are stubborn, or keep coming back after treatment, it's time to seek professional advice. A foot care professional can assess the situation and safely remove corns, minimizing risks of harming surrounding skin. Regular check-ups can also help in managing underlying issues contributing to corn development.

The nurses at Sole Focus are trained in safe reduction and removal of corns, and can help you explore options for preventing their recurrence.

Final Thoughts on Your Foot Health

Understanding the different types of corns—hard, soft, and seeded—and knowing their causes is important for effective management. While home remedies exist, professional help is essential for severe cases. Focus on proper footwear, maintain foot hygiene, and do not hesitate to consult experts when facing persistent discomfort. If you have any structural changes like bunions, hammer toes, or overlapping toes, it's particularly important to see your foot care professional on a regular basis.