Corns

Corns are a skin condition that most commonly occurs on the soles of the feet (Clavus – Latin, Heloma – Greek).

There are also calluses (blisters or hardened skin areas). A callus refers to a superficial thickening of the skin, but corns usually cause more discomfort because the changes occur in deeper layers of the skin. Corns are typically yellowish in color, clearly defined, and contain a hard central core that lies deep in the skin and may be visible through the surface.

Corns are painful because the central core presses on the deeper layers of the skin, where nerves are located, or even on the periosteum (the membrane covering the bone).

Corns on the sole of the foot
Due to long-term pressure or repeated friction, skin cells begin producing keratin intensively in order to protect the skin. As a result, abnormal thickened areas of skin — corns — develop on the soles, toes, or heels. They most often appear during autumn, winter, or spring, when people commonly wear boots or closed shoes. In essence, a corn consists of densely compacted dead cells of the stratum corneum. Due to mechanical stress and structural changes, these cells cannot move naturally toward the surface layers of the skin.

If there is a bone directly beneath the corn — that is, under the thick keratin layer — the pressure from the corn’s core may irritate the periosteum. This often occurs on the toes, particularly in cases of joint deformities.
A corn can be considered a special type of callus, but unlike a callus, a corn always has clear boundaries and a central core that penetrates the deeper layers of the skin in a wedge-shaped form. The stronger and longer the pressure from footwear on a particular area, the deeper the core may grow.

The four most common types of corns

Hard corn
A small, round thickening of the stratum corneum. It most often occurs in the projection areas of the toe joints.
Soft corn
Typically located between the toes, appearing as a clearly defined thickened area of skin.
Subungual corn
Located under the lateral edges of the nail (sometimes beneath the nail plate). It develops due to pressure from the nail edge on the surrounding soft tissue.
Hard corn with a core
A corn where the thickened keratin layer extends cone-shaped into the dermis, causing pain and irritation of sensitive nerve endings.

Prevention and treatment of corns

There are no universal criteria for treating or removing corns. People often try to treat them on their own, but this can lead to skin injury or infection, especially through socks or due to insufficient hygiene.
Today, specialists in Estonia have accumulated significant experience in preventing and treating corns using effective and diverse methods.

The most effective way to remove corns is to consult a qualified foot care specialist. Regular and proper foot hygiene is also essential for prevention.
At our clinic, different types of corns are removed quickly and effectively, and you will receive comprehensive information about their causes and prevention.