About Soft Corns
Corns are a common condition of the feet. They consist of hard, dead skin. Hard corns can appear on the tops and sides of the toes, while soft corns form between the toes. Soft corns are especially annoying and irritating, often causing pain and infection. Some soft corn treatments can be done at home. It may be necessary to consult a podiatrist for a more permanent solution.
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Types
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The Seed Corn: The seed corn, also known as a "porokeratotic lesion," is not seen as often as other types of corns. It normally forms on the ball of the foot or on the heel of the foot. It is stiff and shaped like a circle. The seed corn often forms in the middle of a callus. It has a spot in the middle similar to a seed, which is where the name developed.
The Hard Corn: The hard corn, "heloma durum," is usually located on the outside of the baby toe, on the ball of the foot, or at the top the toe. These corns are thick, compact, and hard.
The Listers Corn: This corn is often mistaken for a second toenail. It forms on the small toe, next to the nail. It is hard and looks like a piece of toenail.
The Soft Corn: The soft corn, "heloma molles," forms between the toes and consists of damp, white skin. The soft corn usually forms between the fourth toe and fifth toes and is sometimes referred to as the kissing corn. It is caused by the rubbing of malformed bones between the toes.
Effects
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Soft corns often become infected if not treated. They cause severe pain when they crack and form ulcers between the toes. The rubbing of the bones between the toes causes irritation, which eventually forms into soft corns. The corn's moist skin is caused by sweat between the toes. When an infection occurs, the soft corn becomes so painful it may be impossible to put on a shoe.
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Considerations
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People with wide toes rather than the normal hourglass shaped toes should be especially careful of the area between the toes. In many cases, the soft corn is believed to be athlete's foot because of the white, gray, or yellow skin that forms between the toes. Treating the problem with anti-fungal powders or creams only makes matters worse: The corn fills with more fluid and more bacteria builds up. It is important to consult a podiatrist to avoid mistreating a soft corn.
Warning
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Most soft corns are formed as a result of wearing tight shoes that squeeze the toes together. Squeezing increases the friction of the bones against one another as the person walks. Irritation increases and a corn begins to form.
It is very important to wear shoes that have plenty of room for your toes and feet. Shoes should have up to half an inch between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely. Avoid pointed toe shoes and spike heels, as these can squeeze the toes and push the foot forward, which increases the risk of developing both hard and soft corns.
Prevention/Solution
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Wear a corn pad between the toes to prevent friction and sweat from irritating the tissues.
Gently rub off the dead skin with a pumice stone. This will prevent irritation and decrease the risk of soft corns.
Sprinkle talcum powder between the toes to keep excess moisture from forming between the toes.
Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to soften the skin, and then gently rub them with a callus brush. Try hydrocortisone cream to prevent itching and promote the healing of an irritated soft corn.
Talk to a podiatrist for a more permanent solution if the pain or swelling persists. Surgery is an option for removing bone spurs or correcting hammer toes. The bone is shaved, ground, or removed to prevent the constant rubbing between the toes. This type of surgery is usually performed with local anesthesia and only requires two or three stitches.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Healthwise, Incorporated
