Corns form when your skin tries to defend itself from friction and pressure by creating a thickened and hardened layer on the skin. They most commonly affect the feet and toes, as well as the hands and fingers. Corns can be unpleasant to see on the skin surfaces. Corns should be treated immediately if they start causing discomfort in a healthy person. Corns are more likely to create issues if you have diabetes or another condition that causes inadequate blood flow to your feet.
Symptoms of corn:
- A thick, scaly patch of skin which is rough to touch.
- A raised, hardened bump.
- Tenderness or discomfort beneath the skin
- Skin that is flaky, dry, or waxy.
Calluses vs. Corns
Corns have a hard core surrounded by inflammatory skin and are smaller than calluses. Corns form on the tops and sides of your toes, as well as between your toes, because they don’t bear weight. They can also be found in locations that sustain weight. When pushed, corns can be rather painful.
Calluses are usually not really painful. They most commonly appear on the soles of your feet, particularly under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and are frequently larger than corns.
Causes Corns and calluses form and grow as a result of pressure and friction from repetitive movements. The following are some examples of causes of pressure and friction:
Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly.Foot friction can be caused by wearing shoes and sandals without socks. Socks that are too big or too little might also be a problem.
When should you go for a doctor’s consultation?
Consult your doctor if you start experiencing pain in the affected area as this can lead the corn to become extremely painful or inflamed. One must consult his/her doctor before self-treating a corn if they are suffering from diabetes or poor blood flow. This is because an infected open sore (ulcer) can generate even if a slight injury occurs to the foot.