Suggest Preventive Measures To Prevent The Formation Of Corn On Feet

Posted on Wed, 18 Feb 2015

Question: I have deposits of dry cells on my feet at certain places. The ones below the last toe are leading to form corn. Please advise how can this be corrected. Are there any preventive/ curative measures to check this from growing further?

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please answer and post the photos

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM..

I can understand your concern for cure of skin lesions on soles. It is difficult to say about your skin disease without knowing detailed history and seeing the photo of lesions

I would like to see photo of lesions on soles. Please post the photos of affected parts.

I want to know whether you suffer from any other skin or systemic diseases. Do you take any medicines for any disease?

Is there family history of such lesions?

Duration of your skin disease?

Do you have complaints of itching,pain or burning on the affected parts.

Do you get pain in lesions on walking barefooted?

Please describe the appearance of skin lesion...is it soft or hard? Any oozing? Is it skin colored? Is it tender on touch?

Say about your work or job.

Please answer above queries and do not forget posting photos.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas apatel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (12 hours later)

Dear Dr XXXXXXX No I have no other skin diseases. My father and grandfather also have corns on their feet soles but it worsened only with age. In my case, it is hard to touch, not tender or watery. It hurts a bit only if I walk barefooted for a long time so I always wear slippers even at home or Dr Scholl kind of shoes. It is not so bad yet but want to take some preventive measures.There's nothing oozing out of it and is largely the same color as my sole. I have a desk job as a communications professional but as a mother have some running around at home.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Corn

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back...

Thanks for history and photo.

You are right, you have corns on sole.

There may be genetic influence.

Corns on the feet and palms are thickened areas of skin of sole and palm. They may be painful. They are caused by excessive pressure or rubbing (friction) on the skin.

Walking barefooted might cause corns.

The thickened skin of a corn can be pared down by a dermatologist by using a scalpel blade. The pain is usually much reduced as the corn is pared down and the pressure on the underlying tissues eased. Sometimes, repeated or regular trimming sessions are needed. Once a corn has been pared down, it may not return if you use good footwear.

And the recurrence may be prevented by rubbing down the thickening skin with a pumice stone or emery paper once a week..soak your foot in warm water for 20 minutes to soften the thick skin before using a pumice stone or emery paper. A moisturising cream used regularly on a trimmed corn will keep the skin softened and easier to rub down.

Salicylic acid lotion may be applied on corns daily for long time till thick layers are removed.

Sometimes, corns can be removed surgically,if there is poor response by local application of keratolytic agent. This should be done under local anaesthesia by dermatologist or surgeon.

Poorly fitting footwear should be avoided. Soft insoles may be used on shoes and padding may be done to prevent recurrences.

I think...this would be helpful to you in managing your skin disease. Still,any qyery,you are welcome.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari