A common complaint seen, is an interdigital corn, more commonly known as heloma molle, or a “soft corn”. When located towards the tips of adjacent toes, they are more likely to be rather dry and hard, but can be significantly painful. These types of corns often have a glass-like appearance, and in the centre of each, one can feel the small yet very hard sharp bony prominence, directly beneath. Often, one can also see a rather dark brown to a brownish yellow discolouration. That is usually evidence, that the pressure between the two toes, has actually caused some bleeding within the deeper skin layer. There is very little fat pad to cushion the tissues between the toes. So when left untreated, this type of corn can easily become ulcerated, or lead to an underlying abscess or serious type of foot infection.

Corn or Fungal Infection?

The soft corn that lies closer to the web space near the bases of the toes, can often be misdiagnosed as a fungal infection, or Athlete’s Foot. This is due to the macerated, spongy, and often white to greyish discolouration of the overlying skin. These types of corns are frequently mistakenly treated with a topical anti-fungal medication for long periods of time, without any improvement. It tends to occur between the 4^th and 5^th toes, which depends on the shape, level of bony prominence, and the amount of flexibility that the toe displays. In simple terms, it is best described as impingement between two prominences.

Causes

Dancers and women often present with this condition. These lesions are also more prominent in persons that smoke. Other contributors to formation of these corns include:

• Friction, pressure, moisture 
• Foot mechanics – pronated/flat feet producing toe deformities
• Prominence of joint or small bone spur of toe
• Poor/tight footwear
• Rheumatoid or other arthritic conditions
• Previous damage to toes

 

Symptoms

• Redness, inflammation or pain between toes
• Pain associated with a small thickened area of the toe
• Often associated with deformed toes or prominences
• There may be overlapping toes causing the formation of a corn
• Skin may breakdown causing an ulceration which can become infected
• A white smelly region between the toes

 

Can Interdigital Corns Be Prevented? 

Corns do not form when the skin is dry, so be sure to dry your feet after showering. Consider changing your shoes, and avoiding high heels that have pointy toes and lack ventilation. If heels are a must, look for roomier toe boxes, along with hidden cotton liners if necessary.

Treatment

This involves:

• Removal of the painful corn
• Reduction in moisture – silver nitrate application or another astringent
• Smoking cessation

How Can Corns Be Treated at Home?

When a corn first appears, you can try the following home remedies:

• Soak the feet in epsom salt.
• Cleanse the space with soap and water, drying it thoroughly after.
• Use gel pads or spacer devices to remove pressure from the corns, to alleviate pain and prevent them from worsening.

It’s important that you resist the urge to remove the skin, which will only open up your body to bacteria, fungi, and viruses. You should seek professional help if warmth, redness, swelling, and pus are evident, as these symptoms signify infection.

How Are Corns Removed?

A podiatrist can remove unsightly corns if you wish. It’s a relatively easy procedure, but you will need to reduce pressure between the toes during your recovery. You’ll need as well to kiss those heels good-bye, and wear an interdigital toe separator. Corns may reappear in four to eight weeks, but with regular removal and due diligence on your part, they can be eradicated within a few podiatrist visits.

Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!