Corns

In the field of medicine, a corn is not the small yellow grain known to others as maize. Instead, a corn or hyperkeratosis is a callus in the shape of grain that occurs in the upper, outer layers of the skin, particularly between the toes and fingers. They get their name from their unique shape, which is the shape of a grain of corn, unsurprisingly. A corn, similar to a callus, is a thick and hardened layer of skin that the body forms to protect itself against consistent friction. What makes corn different from callus is that callus forms a mass of dead cells in its center. Corns, like calluses, can be painful or not.

Treating a corn

While corn can go away on its own, it can be unsightly, prompting one to immediately get rid of it. One should also seek medical help and treatment if he experiences redness and soreness around the corn, if there is pain and swelling, and if the fingers and toes begin to undergo discoloration. A corn may also lead to gangrene, or the decaying of tissues, which is another reason to have it treated promptly.

To treat a corn, one can use corn removal pads and skin softening creams, both of which will make the skin turn white. Afterwards, one can trim the excess skin, making the corn smaller. There are also corn removal patches which contain salicylic acid, a chemical that can wither away the hardened skin. One can apply antibiotic creams and ointments on a corn to prevent it from getting infected.

Preventing corns

To prevent a corn, one should avoid excess friction on the hands by using gloves and on the feet by wearing socks. In addition, one should choose footwear with additional space for the toes. One can also use moisturizing and lubricating agents like lotions.