A corn is a hardened, often painful, thickened skin lesion that forms in areas of the skin exposed to friction and/or pressure, developing a cone shape that extends deeper into the skin. Anatomical differences (such as bony prominences), unsuitable footwear (shoes that narrow at the front, high heels, etc.), and repeated mechanical trauma from work or sports activities make corns more likely to form. The skin thickens as a protective response.
They're usually seen on top of, beside, or on the sole beneath the toes. They have a hard, cone-shaped core that grows inward. This core causes pain when pressed. There are two types, hard and soft:
Hard corn: Found on top of the toes or on the sole, with a firm, well-defined core.
Soft corn: Found between the toes, softened by sweat and moisture, with a whitish appearance.
How is it different from a callus?
Callus: A more widespread, superficial and painless thickening of the skin.
Corn: Confined to a smaller area, painful due to its core.
The main goal in treating a corn is both to clear the current lesion and to prevent it recurring. To do this, it's first necessary to pay attention to foot health and reduce factors that cause friction and pressure. Choosing comfortable, suitable footwear, and using toe separators or orthotic insoles, helps balance pressure and supports healing. In severe and chronic cases, medical methods such as curettage, cautery, laser or cryotherapy can be used.
Plasters or solutions containing salicylic acid, and creams containing urea or lactic acid, can help soften a corn and reduce it over time. For treatment to be lasting, it's important not to compromise on regular foot care, moisturiser use, and choosing suitable footwear.