Removal of Corns

Definition
Most corns are a form of callus and are usually formed where there are calluses. It is common to find them on the heel or the ball of the foot or on top of the little joints of the foot. Some corns may form between toes. Corns can form at any age but are rare in children.

Corns show that there is extra pressure and friction to that area of the skin. Just like calluses, a corn is formed because of a problem with how the foot functions. First the cause has to be identified to treat corns effectively.

There are many different types of corns. They are different in size and positioning. A hard corn is the most common type of corn. They may feel like a small stone when you walk. These corns are hard, round and yellow. Usually they are uncomfortable and painful when pressing down on them. There are soft corns too which form between the toes. Unlike the hard corns, they are thin with white skin around them. These corns are very painful as they rub together between toes.

Treatment

All corns will need treatment. If you think you have developed a corn then seek advice from a Registered Podiatrist. The quicker the corn is treated the more chances they are of it healing up properly.

Never try to cut off a corn with a blade as it could lead to an infection. Also if corns are not treated properly then this could lead to problems. We advise you not to ever try to treat a corn by yourself.

You may need to change the type of shoes you wear or cover it with a dressing. Shoes that rub are not adequate, also wearing high heels do not help. Check the front of the shoe, if it touches the tops of your toes then it will rub and corns will form. Aim to wear soft, shock absorbing shoes.

Corn plasters and dressings are used to cover corns hence avoiding any extra pressure or friction away from the corn. A corn plaster will be round and will fit directly over the corn. Apart from stopping extra pressure on the corn, it will not do anything to heal it. Do not use corn plasters or dressings that come with acid in it as what effect they will have on individuals is unknown. They may work for some but not for others. People who suffer from poor circulation, thinned skin and diabetes should avoid these dressings and only be treated by a podiatrist.

Treatments available from a Registered Podiatrist

After a podiatrist has carried out a full assessment then different treatments may be needed. We will discuss some of the treatments below.

Acids
A podiatrist may decide to use acid to treat your corn. This acid will be applied carefully and precisely onto the corn for the effect needed.

Biomechanics

Wearing poorly fitted shoes add stress to your feet, causing corns. This may include other conditions with your feet stopping it functioning properly. Once a podiatrist has identified the cause then proper orthotics can be prescribed to give relief. Orthotics are comfortable to wear so ideal to reduce pain and discomfort.

Electro surgery

Electro surgical equipment are used by podiatrists to treat corns. This equipment sends a high frequency current to the area where it destroys the corn. A local anaesthetic is needed for this procedure.

Enucleation

This is an operating method used to treat corns. A scalpel is used to reduce the corn so that the pain subsides. The operation is fairly painless and will show signs of improvement straight-away.

Enucleation does not cure the corns. It is used to help give relief from symptoms. If the underlying cause of the corn has not been identified then the corn will return. Depending on how severe the corns are, more than one treatment of enucleation may be required.

Dressings

There are many different types of dressings podiatrists use to cover corns. They come in different sizes and are made from different materials depending on how and where the dressing will be used.

If corns are treated as early as possibly by a podiatrist then there shouldn't be any reason for concern. There are many treatments available to reduce pain and other symptoms.

Pictures of Corns

We at Dr Foot have developed a unique treatment method to treat discolored, risen lesions, namely the Toe Lift. See the ToeLift Blog for the latest videos and before and after pics. Download the FREE Ebook Below, the 3 Step Solution to Toe Scar Trauma.

Treatment for Discolouration

Discolored toes are not treated the same as corns. We have developed a unique treatment protocol which includes an initial consultation to assess the lesions to make sure you are suitable for the treatment protocol. Then a intra-lesional steroid injection with the aim of improving its appearance which reduces the size of the lesion this is followed by a hyaluronic acid injection treatment after a few days which is specifically designed to improve skin quality with increased smoothness, hydration and elasticity. We also provide a unique after care cream to ensure you achieve optimum results.

1st Injection

Steroids are naturally-occurring chemicals, produced mainly by the adrenal glands in the abdomen. There are different types of steroids, and the type
most commonly used to treat skin problems is known as a “corticosteroid”. Corticosteroids work in several different ways, but it is their effects on
suppressing inflammation and on reducing the amount of collagen in the skin that are particularly useful in the treatment of skin conditions.
The injection of a steroid into the skin has two advantages over topical and oral steroid treatment; firstly, it will often be more effective in treating deep seated conditions than a steroid cream or ointment, and secondly, it will only affect the area in which it is injected rather than have the general effects of a steroid taken by mouth. This injection reduces the thickness of the lesion.

2nd Injection

Injectable hyaluronic acid based solutions that are injected into the skin on top of the toes to improve the appearance of skin. The injection provides optimal results due to its ability to work from the inside out, awakening cells within the ‘power centre’ of your skin to replenish, revive and rejuvenate.Hyaluronic acid is used as it’s a potent natural moisturising factor naturally found in skin, muscle and joints. Its ability to draw 1000 times its own weight in water into the skin makes it ideal for binding and retaining water molecules, providing the very best innate moisturisation. This injection improves the discoloration of the skin.

We also provide minor skin surgery for the removal of corns/ scars on the tops of toes, view more information about skin surgery for corn removal