Common treatment method for corns

What is a Corn?

A corn is a condition where the skin on areas like the hands and feet thickens and forms a cone-shaped protrusion due to continuous mechanical pressure. It is characterized by tenderness when pressed from above, and you can see a central core when it’s trimmed.

What Causes Corns?

The primary cause of corns is mechanical pressure or friction on the skin, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, excessive walking, or professions that involve frequent hand movements. These pressures can lead to the development of corns.

Difference Between Corns and Calluses

Calluses typically form in areas that receive consistent pressure, such as the palms, soles, or bony protrusions. They are relatively larger compared to corns, often painless, and lack a central core. You can diagnose them by their thickened and hardened appearance in the pressured skin area. Corns, on the other hand, tend to have a cone-like shape and may show tenderness when pressed from above.

Treatment and Prevention of Corns

Both corns and calluses can be treated similarly by avoiding or minimizing mechanical pressure and friction on the skin. It is essential to wear comfortable shoes and use pads to reduce pressure. You can also use salicylic acid or lactic acid topical solutions or corn pads to soften the skin. Afterward, carefully trim the dead skin using a clean razor or scalpel and sanitize the area. Additionally, cryotherapy (freezing treatment) can be helpful in improving corns.

The most common treatment method for corns in a hospital setting is debridement, which involves the removal of the thickened, dead skin. This can be done using a scalpel or other appropriate medical instruments by a healthcare professional. They will carefully trim the corn to relieve discomfort and improve the condition. In some cases, cryotherapy, a freezing treatment, may also be employed to help in the removal and healing process of corns.