Corns

A corn is a small, painful, raised bump on the outer skin layer of feet and toes.

Causative factors for corns:

An improper walking motion, but most are caused by ill-fitting shoes. High-heeled shoes are the worst offenders. They put pressure on the toes and make women four times as likely as men to have foot problems. Other risk factors for developing a corn or callus include foot deformities and wearing shoes or sandals without socks, which leads to friction on the feet.

• shoes that are too tight or too loose, or have very high heels
• Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility
• Eating large amounts of dairy products
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids
• Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles
• tight socks or stockings
• deformed toes

Types of Corns:

• A hard corn is a compact lump with a thick core. Hard corns usually form on the tops of the toes, on the outside of the little toe, or on the sole of the foot.
• A soft corn is a small, inflamed patch of skin with a smooth center. Soft corns usually appear between the toes.
• A seed corn is the least common type of corn. Occurring only on the heel or ball of the foot

Symptoms

Symptoms include hard growths on the skin in response to direct pressure. Corns may be extremely sore and surrounded by inflamed, swollen skin.

• A raised bump which is hardened
• A thick and rough area of skin
• Flaky ,dry and waxy skin
• Pain under the skin
• Tenderness under the skin