What are Corns
Types of Corns
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Hard Corns
What is a Hard Corn?
A hard corn is a small, concentrated area of thickened skin that develops in response to pressure or friction, often over a bony area like the toes. Unlike calluses, which are more diffuse, hard corns have a dense, central core that can become painful—especially when walking or wearing shoes.
Hard corns are most commonly found:
- On the tops of toes
- On the outer edge of the little toe
- On the ball of the foot
- Between toes (known as “interdigital corns”)
Common Causes of Hard Corns
Hard corns usually form due to:
- Tight or ill-fitting footwear
Shoes that compress the toes or put excessive pressure on certain areas can lead to friction and corn development. - Toe deformities
Conditions such as hammer toes, bunions, or claw toes can increase pressure on specific areas of the foot. - High levels of activity
Repetitive movements from walking, running, or sports can irritate the skin over time. - No socks or poor-quality socks
Wearing shoes without socks or with socks that bunch up can cause rubbing and increase the risk.
Symptoms of Hard Corns
You may notice:
- A firm, raised bump of thickened skin
- Tenderness or pain when pressure is applied
- A dry or waxy appearance in the center
- Redness or inflammation around the area
Treatment Options
At our clinic, we offer effective, safe treatments for hard corns, including:
- Professional Debridement
Your podiatrist gently removes the hardened skin using sterile instruments—providing immediate relief. - Custom Orthotics
We design custom insoles to offload pressure and prevent recurrence by addressing the underlying biomechanical cause. - Footwear Advice
We guide you in selecting properly fitting shoes with wide toe boxes, soft interiors, and supportive soles.
- Padding and Corn Shields
Protective pads or toe sleeves reduce friction and cushion bony prominences. - Addressing Underlying Issues
We’ll assess and manage any contributing conditions like foot deformities or gait abnormalities.
Important: Over-the-counter corn plasters that contain acid can damage healthy skin and are not recommended—especially for people with diabetes or poor circulation.
Interdigital corns (Soft Corns)
What are Soft Corns?
The main feature that differentiates a soft corn from a regular hard corn is that these lesions are generally significantly more painful than regular corns and are typically located on the 4th or 5th toe. They generally present with macerated tissue surrounding the centre of the corn.
Common Causes of Soft Corns
Diagnosis of Soft Corns
Treatment of Soft Corns
Treatment involves:
- Removal of the painful corn
- Reduction in moisture – silver nitrate application or another astringent
- Smoking Cessation
Smokers / Fibrous / Neurovascular corns
(Intractable Plantar Keratoderma – IPK)
What are Smokers / Fibrous/ Neurovascular corns?
The main feature that differentiates a fibrous/neurovascular/smokers corn/IPK from a regular hard corn is that these lesions are generally significantly more painful than regular corns. They typically present as normal hard corns do, however there are subtle features that differentiates these lesions from regular corns.
- On the tops of toes
- On the outer edge of the little toe
- On the ball of the foot
- Between toes
Causes of Smokers / Fibrous/ Neurovascular corns
The exact cause of these particular lesions is unknown.
It is theorised that pressure plays an important role in the development of the lesions.
It is also theorised that smoking plays an important role in the development of these lesions. This PDF “Smoking and Formation of Callous“ provides additional information about the relationship between smoking and the development of the painful lesions.
Diagnosis of Neurovascular/ Fibrous/ Smokers corns
Treatment of Neurovascular/ Fibrous/ Smokers corns
Treatment needs to eliminate the corn. This can be achieved in most cases with offloading and lifestyle modification:
- Smoking Cessation
- Orthotic Offloading
Caution needs to be taking with aggressive debridement of these lesions as deriding into the dermis will result in scar tissue which can develop into a more painful lesion than the original.
Differences
- Underlying central fibrosis (white scar tissue in the centre)
- Nerve fibres in the corn
- These areas are very sensitive to pressure
- Vascular elements in the corn
- Skin generally tends to be more rubbery
- These lesions are more prevalent in those who smoke cigarettes
Make an Appointment
Your Local Podiatrists for the treatment of corns servicing the areas of Northcote, Thornbury, Fitzroy, North Fitzroy, Carlton, North Carlton, Alphington, Fairfield, Brunswick, Coburg and Preston
The Ankle, Foot and Orthotic Centre’s Northcote Podiatrists can help you with all your complaints including corns. Make an appointment to get your foot and ankle pain under control.
Call The Ankle, Foot and Orthotic Centre for further advice on professional management and treatment options.