Is your foot stumpy and hard? Then it is likely you have foot corn. Foot corn is the thickening and hardening of skin cells on your feet due to friction or pressure. This condition is nothing to be worried about if it's just the initial stage, but if left untreated, it might be uncomfortable for you to walk. Foot corn removal is done by trimming away the unwanted skin, surgeries, and other medications. Dr. Manisha Saney is a renowned and experienced dermatologist who will help you solve your foot corn problems.

What is foot corn?

Foot corn is a condition in which the skin on foot is hardened and roughened due to excess pressure and friction. Using a tight and unfitting shoe can lead to foot corn. Foot corns usually appear as small and round patches. It is mainly seen on the bottom of the feet, fifth toe, or between the fourth and fifth toe. Based on the appearance, foot corns are especially of three types:

• Hard corn: The corn is very thick and dense. It is mainly seen on the tip of your toes.
• Soft corn: The corn is smooth and has a rubbery touch. It is primarily seen in between the toes.
• Seed corn: The corn is very small and is mainly seen on the bottom side of the feet.

What are the causes and symptoms of foot corn?

Excess friction and pressure are the leading causes of foot corns. Corn is a part of the body's defense mechanism. When the feet undergo excessive friction and pressure, the body will make the skin thicker in that portion, leading to the corn's development. Abnormal conditions like foot deformities can also lead to corn formation. Using a tight shoe applies extra pressure and friction on the feet leading to foot corn. The frequent rubbing of feet against something hard might also cause foot corns.

The primary symptoms of foot corns are:

• Rough and thickened skin patches on the foot
• Scaly and flaky skin
• White or gray colored skin
• Bumps
• Stiffening of skin
• Hurts while walking

How is foot corn diagnosed?

The doctor can identify foot corn by visual examination. But she might also take a detailed analysis to cross out causes like other foot conditions. The doctor might also suggest you take an X-ray to determine if the condition results from any other foot deformities.

What is foot corn removal?

If the foot corn makes walking and doing daily chores difficult, it is time for you to visit a specialist.

• If the condition is very mild, Dr. Saney might advise you to avoid the activities that lead to the foot's rubbing and pressuring.
• If needed, the doctor might also give you patches or gels containing salicylic acid.
• The doctor might also suggest you use a pumice stone to smoothen the thick skin.
• The doctor can suggest trimming away the excess skin if the condition is not curable by medication. The doctor will use a scalpel to remove the thick skin.
• If the foot corn results from a foot deformity, the doctor might advise you to use custom-made shoe pads.
• If needed, the doctor might suggest surgery to rectify the foot deformity.