Corn

A corn is a form of callosity sited on the foot. It is a discrete area of hyperkeratosis that has formed as a reaction to concentrated external pressure. It usually develops on the bony prominences of the toes in response to ill-fitting shoes. Within the corn, there is a core of hard keratin surrounded by an opalescent margin.

Clinically, they are painful and usually require treatment with:

• mechanical, abrasive removal of the keratin
• correctly-fitted shoes
• metatarsal sponge support for corns in this area
• rarely, orthopaedic operation to modify deranged weight-bearing