Why do corns form on the feet?

Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
Updated on October 24, 2024
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Corns on the feet are caused by long-term compression or friction, leading to excessive proliferation of the stratum corneum and thickening of the stratum corneum. Corns commonly occur in adults, particularly in women, and are frequently found on pressure-bearing areas such as the feet, soles, the inner edges of the big toe, the outer sides of the little toes, as well as the heels and tips of the toes which are areas of friction and pressure. The skin lesions are clearly defined, either light yellow or deep yellow in color, shaped like a cone with a smooth and slightly raised surface. Because they compress the peripheral nerves in the dermis, walking or when pressure is applied, the pain is quite noticeable.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Is a corn the same as a callus?

Skin tags are not corns, as skin tags are a type of common wart caused by a viral infection, often related to local pressure or injury, but the two conditions have different factors. Corns are more likely to be caused by a fungal infection, while skin tags are more likely associated with viral infections. Skin tags are mainly related to issues with the immune system. The appearance of skin tags can also be influenced by external factors such as local pressure, friction, and injury. The treatment methods for these conditions are similar, yet this does not mean they are the same disease. It is necessary to understand the different mechanisms and causes of each condition and then address them with appropriate treatment methods.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Can corn plaster be used for skin tags?

Eating meat and corns actually have fundamental similarities, generally caused by viral infections. Therefore, using antiviral medications is definitely feasible. Corn patches can also have some effect on local irritation, so it's possible to use corn patches on warts as well. However, warts generally have a deeper area or more apparent superficial changes. Therefore, if using corn patches, they must be combined with other treatment methods, since corn patches generally work better on surface treatments. Thus, treating warts only on the surface might lead to recurrent warts, so it is necessary to combine them with other antiviral medications or local injections of antiviral drugs for better results together with the corn patch treatment. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Is a corn the same as a callus?

Skin tags are not the same as corns; they are two completely different conditions. Skin tags generally refer to abnormally proliferating tissue at the nail area, and also commonly refer to warts. Corns usually result from localized abnormal friction, causing proliferative growth of the soft tissue, typically located on the sole of the foot. Skin tags and common warts can also occur on the bottom of the feet, but skin tags usually appear as proliferative, tumor-like protrusions on the surface of the skin, whereas corns generally do not protrude above the surface of the skin.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What medicine to buy for a corn?

Corns are a type of skin disease formed due to long-term friction and compression. The cause of corns is often related to standing for long periods or wearing ill-fitting or tight shoes. For treating corns, it is advised to primarily use topical medications, which can be directly applied or used as a corn plaster. Besides topical creams, some physical treatments such as carbon dioxide laser, cryotherapy, and X-ray irradiation can also be used.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What causes corns on the soles of the feet?

Corns are mostly caused by the prolonged and repeated friction and compression of a foreign object that has entered the skin, resulting in a hyperproliferative lesion. They are generally small and can be completely treated with common corn ointments. However, if a corn has been present for a long time and has grown larger, it is recommended to seek treatment at a formal hospital's dermatology department using the method of liquid nitrogen freezing, which usually resolves the issue in one or two sessions. Some corns can become larger and may be painful or show signs of inflammation and infection. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a surgical or dermatology department for a minor minimally invasive surgery to completely remove it. When wearing shoes, it is essential to choose loose and soft-soled footwear, and avoid walking barefoot on surfaces to prevent foreign objects from entering and causing the recurrence of corns.