Corns + Callus = 2Common (Part 2)

Dear reader, 

Welcome back to Corns + Callus = 2Common (Part 2). In this episode, we are going to focus more on corns. Some might think that a callus and a corn are the same thing. I would agree with you but not 100%. First of all they are caused by friction and pressure build up on the surface of the skin. They are also keratinised tissue of the skin. There are TWO ways to distinguish a corn and a callus.

1. Presentation 2. Feeling

Before we go any further, let’s just focus on the corns right now.

A corn? Something edible?

Well it sounds like it, written like it; but this is not the corn we are talking about. I believe some of you readers might like the edible corn but this is no one’s favourite!

So what is a corn?

It is a circular cone-shaped thickened skin, so basically it looks like a cone when it has been ‘dug’ out. And it leaves a hole on your foot depending on how big the size of the corn was.

Why does it develop?

Similar to calluses, corns develop due to long term of friction and pressure between the skin and its surrounding.

Where is it most commonly found?

Corns are most likely to be found on prominent areas of the foot like the joint. This is because the joint has little fatty pads or tissue surrounding it. Having said that, corns are still likely to be found on odd places e.g. in between the toes, the side of the foot, the arch of the foot or even underneath the CALLUSES!!!

How does it feel?

Okay readers, let’s imagine you sellotape a tiny stone on the sole of your foot regardless of the area you stick it on. Try to walk on it. ‘Ouch Ouch!!!’ That’s how bad a corn hurts =(

Management

What you would do

Based on my experience, many people tried to remove corn by digging it out using fingernails or using the nail clipper. It can be very unhygienic to remove them using non-sterile tools. Unlike calluses, corns are normally embedded deeper in the skin which can easily cause bleeding if not carefully managed. This can easily creates a portal of entry for infections.

Some of you might even go to a local pharmacy to shop for over-the-counter treatment product. So far the most commonly seen product would be the corn plaster. Basically, it is a plaster is impregnated with salicylic acid which helps to break down the keratinised tissue (hard skin) of a corn. Not everyone is suitable to use it, why? Because it’s salicylic ‘acid’. That’s right! Please refer to the list below to see whether you are suitable or not =)

      

You are encouraged not to use a corn plaster if:

• you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients in the medicine/ product
• you are someone under 16 years of age
• you have circulation problems
• you have broken or inflamed skin around the corn that needs to be treated
• you have DIABETES

What we would recommend you to do Remember corns and callus do not form within one day, it takes time together with external pressure and friction for it to form. Again a good advice would be similar to how you reduce the thickness of your callus. 4 Simple Steps:

1. File the callus or corns of your feet with a skin file or a pumice stone
2. Wash them with soap & tap them dry with a towel
3. Apply foot cream/emollient
4. Put on your socks and go to bed

What we would do

By following the 4 Simple Steps will slow down the process of extra thicken skin and corn formation. Once you have done your part, you can leave the rest to us. In order to get rid of the corn and callus formation is to get rid of the pressure and friction that is causing it. Well this is what we as a podiatrist do best.

Enucleation using Scalpel blade

All podiatrists are well-trained in handling scalpel blade and all the blade being used are sterile ones (Wiki: free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; totally clean). Corns will be dug out from the skin as precise as possible. Once a corn has been removed, patient will be able to feel the difference when an external pressure is being applied on the ex-corn area.

Padding and insole

Initially a temporary padding will be given to patient to try out. The aim of a padding is to provide a better distribution of pressure across the whole foot. The temporary padding will be reviewed to ensure maximal comfort has been achieved before a more bespoke insoles being custom made.

Diagram above: This is how the padding would look like depending on the position of the corn.

Diagram above: This is how we analyse your foot pressure and based on the information gained we can manufacture the orthotics that is specifically for your feet.

*The Diabetes Corner*

A corn can be problematic if left untreated or unnoticed by patient or carer. 

‘Unnoticed?!! How could that be possible?? It is already so painful to walk on!!!’

Yes unnoticed! In fact certain patients with diabetes are not able to feel an existing corn. Diabetes can cause neuropathy (lack of sensation) due to high level of glucose in the blood which damages the small blood vessels that supply the nerves. If left untreated or unnoticed, a corn can cause a healthy skin to break down from the underneath and develop into an ulcer. Normally, a good indication of break down underneath the skin will be presented in a reddish-brown colour. If an ulcer develops, the wound will be harder to heal and it is even harder to heal when it is infected. Eventually, this will lead to more responsibility for you and the health care professionals.

If you know someone with diabetes or elderlies who are less-abled, please please please ensure that their feet are checked on a regular basis for any signs of corns or calluses. This would mean a lot for the person you care for.

It all started with a corn…

Diabetes + Neuropathy + a CORN = Ulcer + treatment fail = AMPUTATION!!!

If you CARE, you can PREVENT it!

Thank you for reading and don’t forget to spread the love

Have a pleasant evening!

Louis =)