Excessive pressure on a particular area of the foot may cause a corn to form. A corn is a growth of skin protein or a toughening of the outer layers of the skin. Soft corns are nodules that grow between the toes, most often the fourth and fifth toes. Perspiration causes soft corns to break down and become extremely tender. It may be difficult to distinguish soft corns from athlete’s foot.
Hard corns generally occur on the sole of the foot or the top of the toe. Hard corns frequently are tender and have a clear, hard center when shaved. This distinguishes them from warts, which are not very tender and may bleed slightly when shaved.
Corn plasters, which are felt pads containing 40% salicylic acid, are available without a doctor’s order for hard corns. They may be effective in treating corns by eating away at the skin’s surface. To relieve pressure on toes, try Silopos toe sleeves, polymer gel (such as Cushlin Gel), foam padding or lamb’s wool.