How Does a Corn Develop?
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Definition
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A corn is a hardened area of skin on the body, usually on the foot. There is only one way to get a corn and that is due to constant pressure or rubbing. The corn forms over a period of time as the skin begins to toughen up to handle the irritation caused by the friction of the person's actions. Because corns are just toughened skin, they often have no feeling and do not hurt. In fact, corns have several layers of dead skin. Corns can occur on their own or under a callus.
Susceptible Individuals
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Runners get corns on their toes and feet. They run on a daily basis and as the pressure builds up, the skin reacts by toughening up in certain areas. Athletes such as football and soccer players can also form corns due to their long practices. Ballet dancers and other types of dancers are at risk for developing corns on their feet as well. Anyone that wears shoes that are too tight or anyone that walks with a limp or has a deformity of the limb or foot can also develop a corn. This is because pressure is placed on a part of the foot that was not designed to take the pressure.
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Dangers
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Most corns are completely harmless. You should still seek a professional opintion from either a doctor or a podiatrist. Corns can, in some instances, cause an infection. All infections need treatment from a physician. A simple round of antibiotics are prescribed and that will usually do the trick. Diabetics are the most at risk of complications from a corn and should seek medical treatment whether the corn is causing them pain or not. This is because the blood vessels can't get enough blood through the tough skin. If this occurs, the diabetic is at a high risk of losing the foot.
Prevention
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The only way to prevent a corn from forming is to lessen the amount of pressure you put on your feet and toes. For many individuals such as sports players, this is not possible. Runners and other individuals can buy a good pair of shoes that provides a lot of cushion and support in the appropriate areas. There are also shoe inserts from companies like Dr. Scholls that you can purchase to help distribute your weight evenly. That way, one part of the foot is not taking all of the pressure.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Quinn Dombrowski
