Corns can occur on various areas of the foot, including the delicate skin in between the toes. Tight footwear and bent or curvy toes can place more pressure in this area when walking around. A corn is a circular area of thickened skin known as hyperkeratosis and can occur when the toe joints rub or press together. A corn in between the toes is known as a soft corn or heloma molle. When one starts to develop it may be mistaken for athlete’s foot.
-
Symptoms
A soft corn can be quite painful even without applying direct pressure. Walking and activities of daily living may become challenging. A soft corn can be round or irregular in shape and varies in size. The area of thickened skin appears whitish or yellow and is usually rubbery in texture due to increased moisture. There may be flecks of red or brown, which indicates bleeding in the skin because of excessive pressure and friction. If left untreated, the corn can begin to break down causing an opening in the skin. This can lead to infection and significant pain.
-
Causes
Ill-fitting footwear that presses on toes or does not provide proper support may cause corns to occur. Shoes with narrow, shallow or pointed-toes will restrict natural movement of toes. Hammer toes, bunions or rheumatoid arthritis changes may increase a person’s risk for developing these lesions as they tend to place more pressure and friction on particular areas. Wearing shoes without socks may result in more friction on toes. Some people have more of a genetic predisposition for these thickened areas of skin.
-
Treatment
When a corn is painful, treatment by a BioPed medical footcare clinician is recommended. They will assess the area and provide treatment, which includes reducing the thickness of the corn. If there is a nucleus or core in the lesion, it may need to be removed. Wearing a silicone or foam wedge in between the toes of concern helps to reduce the pressure causing the corn. This wedge should be removed for personal hygiene routines and for sleeping.
