Pictures of Corns on Feet: Hard, Soft, Seed Corns and Periungal Corns

Identifying and Treating Corns on the Feet

Corns are small, hardened areas of thickened skin that develop in response to chronic friction and pressure on the feet. While corns are not a serious medical condition, they can cause discomfort and nuisance symptoms.

Corns most often develop on the toes or soles of the feet. Understanding what causes corns and how to identify them aids in prompt treatment and prevention of recurrence.

Causes of Corns on the Feet

Common causes of corns include:

• Ill-fitting, tight shoes that rub against the feet
• Toes that are squished together due to bunions, hammertoes, or other foot deformities
• Abnormal walking patterns that put excessive pressure on parts of the foot
• Sock seams or tags rubbing repetitively against toes
• High-impact activities like running or jumping
• Unnatural gait from conditions like arthritis or neuropathy

Any repeated friction, pressure, or rubbing on an area of skin can stimulate a protective callus or corn to develop. The thick skin helps cushion and protect the sensitive tissues underneath.

Types of Corns

There are several classifications of corns:

Hard Corns

The most common type, these dense, raised calluses have clearly defined edges. Hard corns have a central core or "root" that extends inward. They are usually found on top of toes or other prominent areas bearing pressure.

Soft Corns

These pliable calluses lack defined borders. They occur between toes where moisture gets trapped, making them white/yellowish. Friction from skin rubbing on skin produces soft corns.

Seed Corns

Small, grain-like clusters of dead skin cells, seed corns are peppered over areas of friction. Many small seed corns may merge into a larger callus.

Vascular Corns

These develop when a corn presses on an underlying blood vessel, causing it to become inflamed and tender. They may bleed if bumped or cut.

Periungal Corns

These form from pressure on the skin next to or under the nails. Periungal corns are often caused by ingrown toenails or improper nail trimming.

Identifying Corns from Appearance and Symptoms

Being able to recognize corns visually aids in early treatment. Here are some characteristic signs and symptoms:

Location

Corns often develop on:

• Tops of toes
• Bottom of feet
• Between toes
• Sides of feet
• Around toenails

Appearance

Common visual features of corns include:

• Thick, rough, dry skin
• Callused area with well-defined borders
• Central cone-shaped core protruding inward
• Yellowish, opaque color
• Layered, stacked-up dead skin cells

Sensations

Corns may cause:

• Localized pain or tenderness when pressed
• Discomfort when wearing shoes or socks
• Irritation between toes from soft corns rubbing together
• Burning or shooting pain in vascular corns

Complications

Problems that can arise from untreated corns include:

• Infections
• Ulcers
• Bursitis
• Permanent thickening of skin
• Abnormal gait from foot pain

Pictures of Common Corn Types

Images showing key visual features can help identify different classifications of corns:

Hard Corns

Characteristics:

• Conical shape with pointed center
• Opaque, yellowish color
• Distinct outer border
• Dry, callused texture
• Location on tops of toes or feet

Soft Corns

Characteristics:

• Spongy, flexible texture
• Poorly defined edges
• White/yellow color
• Moist surface between toes

Seed Corns

Characteristics:

• Groups of tiny bumps
• May be yellow/brown
• Given area a rough texture
• Can develop into larger callus

Periungal Corns

Characteristics:

• Next to or beneath toenail
• Caused by ingrown nail or pressure from nail edge
• Can be tender and painful

Recognizing characteristic features of different corn types can aid in determining appropriate treatment.

Treating and Preventing Corns on Feet

Treating the source friction and pressure is key to providing corn relief and preventing recurrence. Methods include:

Wear Proper Footwear

Choose well-fitted, comfortable shoes with adequate toe room. Look for smooth linings without seams. Change shoes regularly to vary pressure points.

Protect Against Friction

Wear gloves while doing activities causing hand pressure on feet. Apply lubricating creams to minimize rubbing and irritation between toes.

Use Padding and Cushioning

Apply molefoam, gel pads, or lambswool to shield corns from pressure and friction inside shoes.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Creams containing salicylic acid help soften and shed built-up skin layers. Always follow product instructions carefully.

Soaking

Soaking feet in warm water can soften and loosen dry, dead skin on corns. Gently rub surface skin with pumice stone or washcloth after soaking.

Avoid Picking or Cutting

Never cut corns yourself or use over-the-counter corn removers, as this can lead to infections.

See a Podiatrist

For chronic or painful corns, see a foot doctor for professional removal and prescription medicated pads to prevent recurrence.

When to See a Podiatrist for Corns

Visit a podiatrist promptly if you experience:

• Severe pain or discomfort from corns
• Bleeding, pus, redness, warmth indicating infection
• Corns persisting despite over-the-counter remedies
• Impaired walking from corn pain
• Corns occurring with conditions like diabetes or arthritis
• Corns that recur in the same areas

Podiatrists can safely pare down thick calluses and remove problematic corns. They may also prescribe medicated patches, cushioning devices, orthotics, or toe spacers to relieve underlying pressure and friction.

Those with circulation issues or diseases like diabetes should not attempt to remove corns on their own. Seeking professional foot care can prevent complications like foot ulcers in high-risk individuals.

When to Seek Emergency Corn Treatment

Seek prompt medical care if you experience:

• Red streaking, swelling, redness extending from corn
• Fever, chills, nausea, dizziness
• Intense, throbbing pain
• Green or yellow discharge
• Foul odor from drainage

These signs may indicate a serious bacterial infection requiring emergency treatment. Left untreated, a severe corn infection can penetrate deep tissues and enter the bloodstream, becoming life-threatening.

Preventing Corns from Developing

Reduce your risk of corns by:

• Wearing properly sized shoes with a wide toe box
• Cushioning any corns or calluses you have
• Treating conditions causing foot deformities like bunions
• Changing into clean, dry socks after exercise
• Applying moisturizer to feet daily
• Visiting a podiatrist to trim calluses before they turn to corns

Promptly treating any foot irritation, blisters, or calluses can halt progression into troublesome corns. With vigilant foot care and pressure relief, corns can be avoided.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.