Corns

[thetrivialsublime]

I've had a patch of dead skin on top of my left foot's second toe for a couple of years now. It's small, just a raised area above the joint. I think it first appeared due to a pair of loose-fitting shoes.

It is not painful, and there is no discoloration that I can discern. I'm not sure exactly how to classify it because it is very smooth to the touch, unlike the calluses that sometimes form on my hands.

I've tried to get rid of it several times. I first used some salicylic acid callus remover, and then a pumice stone and warm water a few months later. Both times, I ended up essentially peeling the dead skin completely off in strips (not wearing it down, as is supposed to happen), leaving a patch of raw skin underneath. However, the callus just grows back within a week or two.

The callus/corn actually seems like a bubble made of a thick layer of dead skin. I'm not sure if this is typical of this type of disorder. If anyone knows how to get rid of the thing permanently, I'd be much obliged.

Thanks

[stulchinsky]

Hello, this is a forum moderator responding. Although I do not have a direct answer to your question, I would like to refer you to the following physician-developed and -monitored content for additional information:
http://www.podiatrychannel.com/corns/index.shtml

Thank you for participating in the forum!

[footankledoc]

What you have is a type of soft corn or scar on top of your 2nd toe and may be due to either tight shoe gear or what we call a hammertoe where the toe is bent at the joint underneath the corn. The chronic rubbing in shoes causes a soft corn or scar. Salicylic acid usually does not work in this situation. I would first try unmedicated pads so that the shoes don't rub on the area and be sure to wear good wide-toe box shoes. If there is indeed a hammertoe, then that needs to be evaluated by your local podiatrist and see if it needs to be corrected. Correction of the hammertoe can cause your corn to go away but do ask your local podiatrist about the ins and outs of the procedure and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Hope this helps!

[thetrivialsublime]

Thanks for the reply!

I'm pretty sure it's not a hammer toe, as there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the bone structure of the toe. I'll try your advice about the pads, though. If I prevent friction from occurring between the skin and the shoe, will the corn eventually go away on its own?

[footankledoc]

yes it will eventually. pads and good fitting shoes are key to prevent rubbing on the tops of the toes. best of luck!