Want to Know the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Corn or Clavus

Overview of Clavus or Corn

A corn (or clavus, plural clavi or clavuses) is a particularly formed callus of dead skin that as a usually occurs on thin or glabrous (hairless and smooth) skin surfaces, particularly on the dorsal surface of toes or fingers. The extensive thickening of the skin in a corn may result in chronic pain and ulcer formation.

Symptoms of Clavus or Corn

It’s important to identify the symptoms of corn or clavus as you may get confused with calluses or any other acne problem. Some of the reported symptoms of Corn or Clavus have been specified underneath:

1. Rough, tough, yellowing patch of lumpy or bumpy skin
2. Hardened, raised bump
3. Tenderness or pain under your skin
4. Flaky, dry or waxy skin

Causes of Clavus or Corn

Numerous reasons can cause clavus and the known causes have been specified here:

1. Ill-fitting shoes – If your shoe snug on your feet, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe which causes friction and may result in developing a painful corn.
2. Skipping socks – Similarly, if you don’t wear socks underneath your shoes or sandals you may develop corn.
3. Abnormality of feet – Factors such as foot deformities, hammertoe or other toe deformities, can lead to corn or callus formation
4. Playing instruments – In response to using tools, playing musical instruments such as the guitar, or using work equipment that exerts pressure at specific sites may develop corn or clavus

Treatment for Clavus or Corn

Many research suggests different treatments for clavus however, we have specified the best treatment to cure corn underneath:

1. Pumic Stones – Before going to bed, absorb your feet in a lukewarm water for 10 minutes to soften the hard skin. Tenderly rub a pumice stone forward and backward over the affected area for three to five minutes and after that dry your feet with a cotton towel. Dip a cotton ball in castor oil and place it on the corn. Secure it with tape and leave it overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning and repeat this treatment for several days till corn get fully removed.
2. Apply Moisturizing Cream – Moisturizing lotion or cream especially with salicylic acid should be applied twice a day to gradually soften the corn.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar – Fill a bowl with hot, soapy water, add some apple cider vinegar before soaking your feet in the water for at least 10 minutes. Do this treatment for continuously 10 days to see the results.
4. Baking Soda – Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to a bowl of warm water. Soak your feet in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Rub the affected area with a pumice stone to remove the dead skin.
5. Lemon – Cut a slice of lemon peel around an inch long and the width of your toe. Place the essence over the corn, securing with a gauze and covering with a white cotton sock overnight. Do this treatment till corn disappears.
6. Garlic – Rub half of a garlic clove on the corn. Let the skin dry, cover it with a gauze and leave it overnight. Remove the wrap and wash your feet with warm water in the morning, Continue this treatment till corn disappears.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is to be construed as medical advice, nor it is intended to replace the recommendations of a medical professional. For specific questions, please consult a specialist for the advice.