corn
Last reviewed 01/2018
A corn is a form of callosity sited on the foot. It is a discrete area of hyperkeratosis that has formed as a reaction to concentrated external pressure. It usually develops on the bony prominences of the toes in response to ill-fitting shoes. Within the corn there is a core of hard keratin surrounded by an opalescent margin.
Clinically, they are painful and usually require treatment with:
- mechanical, abrasive removal of the keratin
- correctly-fitted shoes
- metatarsal sponge support for corns in this area
- rarely, orthopaedic operation to modify deranged weight-bearing