Corns: What are Three Treatments? The Texas Foot Specialists
/Many of us may not be familiar with the medical term heloma. But simply put, it is the medical term for a corn. Corns are thick areas found on the skin’s surface. If left untreated it can become painful and irritating.
What are corns?
Often confused with a callus, a corn is mostly surrounded by inflamed skin and usually smaller compared to calluses. It is circular or cone-shaped. It can be a raised bump which is painful to touch, and the thick area may become rough, dry or waxy. Corns develop in areas where there is pressure or friction. It can develop when the little toe rubs against the shoe.
Consult a podiatrist for chronic corn problems. Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot disorders.
What are some of the treatments for corns?
- Primary treatment for corns is to remove dead skin that has already built-up on the affected area.
- Salicylic acid. Purchased over-the-counter, salicylic acid is the most common treatment being used to get rid of corns. It can come in different forms such as drops, creams, or medicated pads. The acid functions as a dissolving agent for keratin, which is the protein that forms corns. If you are a diabetic person though, you should consult your doctor first as salicylic acid is contraindicated for you to use. Using salicylic acid is very easy, you can simply apply the medication directly on your corn. The uppermost layer of the corn will become white after use. Once the change in color occurs, you can peel away the layer of the skin and make the corn smaller.
- Orthotic inserts. Orthotic inserts should be fitted by a podiatrist. These inserts will allow you to walk correctly as it helps adjust how your foot fits into your shoe. Inserts will help you reduce your chances of having corn formation and can even eradicate existing corns by decreasing friction caused by rubbing.
- Surgery. This is the very last resort in corn treatment and is rarely used. It focuses more on the underlying tissues that causes the formation of corns. If the surgery is performed, the bone is shaved and the abnormalities are corrected so that there will be a reduced friction while walking.
Prevention
- When talking about corn prevention, the primary goal is to reduce friction.
- Wear shoes that fit well.
- Do not rub your feet. You can buy some pads if you notice that there is some rubbing.
- Wear cushioned insoles in your shoes as it always reduces friction.
The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.