What is footcorn? Are they dangerous and how can you get rid of them naturally? Learn all you need to know about the mass of tough skin under your feet and toes in this blog.
Footcorns
Corns on the feet are hardened layers of skin that form as a result of your skin’s reaction to friction and pressure. Footcorn causes can be many and differ on the circumstances, including:
- Repeated friction
- Wearing footwear of the wrong size
- Other conditions like hammer toe or bunions
Symptoms of Footcorn
Some common symptoms of footcorns are as follows:
- Hardened skin
- Raised bumps that are painful and cause discomfort
- Redness
- Blisters
These symptoms tend to vary based on the severity and the region it is located. Listed below are the types of corn observed on feet.
Types of Corns on Feet
Corns are typically small and round callus that are not pathogenic and generally harmless, causing mild discomfort. There are three types of footcorns based on their appearance and the area they appear.
Hard Corns – Hard corns are small, dense regions of thickened skin that are frequently found inside a broader area of thickened skin. Hard corns commonly develop on the top of toes, where bone pressure rubs against the skin.
Soft Corns – Soft corns have a softer, rubbery texture and are whitish/grey in colour. Soft corns form between the toes.
Seed Corns – Seed corns on foot are small and are often found below the foot.
Treatment for Footcorn
The type of footcorn removal is determined by your symptoms as well as the cause of the footcorn. Removing the accumulation of skin is the best medicine for footcorn. You can do so yourself in a variety of ways, including:
Filling down the Corn – A simple way to deal with footcorn is to file it down. To being with soak your feet in a warm bath with epsom salt for half an hour. Dry your feet with a clean towel and moisturize with hydrating lotion or with cocoa butter, whichever is available. You need to continue this until the corn has softened.
Once the corn is soft and painless, file it down with a pumice stone or an emery board. You wil need to repeat this for a few weeks until the corn has completely disappeared.
Applying Castor Oil and Corn pads – In case filing the corn is not an option, the alternative is applying castor oil and corn pads. The initial steps that you will need to follow will be the same as above where you will need to soak your feet to soften the corn.
Apply castor oil on the corn and then place a corn pad over it. You can buy a corn pad at a local pharmacy. The corn pads relieve pressure on the affected area so that the corn can heal faster. For faster healing, wear a pair of soft socks that will help keep the corn pad and castor oil in place. The corn should heal a few weeks.
If home remedies don’t work, see a doctor to get it professionally treated. Your doctor may refer you to a podiatrist (a doctor that specializes in foot conditions). They may scrape, shave, or cut away the layers of hardened skin to treat the corn. This will help in getting rid of your corn. Depending on the size of your corn, you may need a few appointments to completely remove it.
How to Avoid Footcorns?
Feet are a part of the body that is sometimes overlooked until a problem arises. Most cases of corns or calluses can be avoided with attention and care. Listed below are some simple practices you can incorporate into your daily lifestyle to avoid foot conditions such as corns or calluses.
- Wear well-fitting shoes with enough padding (cushioned insoles) and toe space
- Wear socks with your footwear
- Keep your toenails trimmed
- Avoid walking barefoot outside
- If you have sweaty feet, apply powder to keep it dry and clean
Since corns and calluses are caused by friction, irritation, or pressure against the skin, they can reappear at any time if the underlying cause is not addressed. Corns may appear to be a minor inconvenience, but if not treated properly, they can develop into a variety of serious illnesses, some of which can be fatal for individuals who are already ill. Severe footcorn can be painful and could lead to conditions like Septic arthritis, Osteomyelitis (infection in bone tissues and tendons), and Bursitis (inflammation between the skin and bone) among other things.
The question, ‘what is footcorn’ must now be clear to you with a reasonable answer that can help you avoid and treat the same. If you still have footcorns after the underlying cause has been removed, see a doctor right away. Reach out to our specialist doctors at Ayu Health Hospital to get a consultation. You can visit our website to book an appointment or call us.
