How to Know if You Have Corns: 9 Steps
Corns are small, thickened areas of skin that form as a result of friction, usually on your toes and the balls of your feet. They can be painful and may lead to more serious issues if left untreated. Here are 9 steps to help you determine if you have corns.
1. Check for thickened skin: Look carefully at the areas on your feet where you suspect corns might be forming. Corns usually appear as a raised, hardened surface on the skin.
2. Look for signs of inflammation: Your skin may appear red and swollen in the area where a corn is present.
3. Assess pain or tenderness: Gently press on the suspected corn with your finger or thumb. If it’s tender or painful, this could indicate a corn.
4. Identify specific locations: Corns are commonly found on toe joints, especially at the tips of toes and on the sides of small toes.
5. Consider when you experience discomfort: If you notice pain or discomfort while wearing certain shoes or during certain activities, this could be due to a corn forming in response to that specific pressure.
6. Examine shape and color: A typical corn is round or oval-shaped and may be whitish or yellowish in color.
7. Evaluate surrounding skin: Corns often cause surrounding skin to become dry and flaky.
8. Seek professional opinion: If you’re unsure about whether you have a corn, consult a podiatrist or healthcare professional for confirmation.
9. Monitor changes over time: Keep track of any growth or changes in the appearance of your possible corns, as this can provide useful information for treatment options.
By following these steps, you can accurately identify whether what you’re experiencing is indeed a corn, leading to better treatment options and healthier feet overall.