The Musculoskeletal System
Lesson 2: Diseases and Disorders of the Feet
Section IV: Arthritis of the Feet
2-18
2-18. HELOMA DURUM (HARD CORN)
A corn may be defined as a hard, thickened area of skin located on top of, on the tip of, or between the toes. This skin has a different texture than normal skin; the skin is round and yellow like a kernel of corn. If the skin is reddish, the corn is inflamed. The central core of the corn descends into the flesh in a cone-shaped point killing all the normal cells in its way. The corn grows faster if it keeps rubbing against a shoe because the rubbing provides a constant source of blood to the area. Corns are protective in that they are the body's response to friction and pressure. The hard layers of the corn are trying to protect the skin and the bone beneath from bruises and injuries.
a. Signs/Symptoms of Hard Corns. Included are:
(1) Tenderness to pressure.
(2) Pain after release of pressure. Glassy core.
(3) Occurs over prominent protuberances.
(4) Commonly occurs over a plantar wart.
b. Treatment of Hard Corns. Treat as follows:
(1) Have the patient wear properly fitted shoes.
(2) Soften the wart with wet soaks.
(3) Debride the overgrowth with a number 10 blade.
(4) Debride the core with a number 15 blade.
