A corn or clavus is a callus that develops as a result of constant pressure, persistent friction and other stress factors.
Clavi occur more frequently in older people and almost always on the feet, most frequently on the fifth toe. This is a keratinization disorder that primarily occurs on skin close to the bone.
A corn or clavus can only develop if excessive callus production on the feet remains untreated for an extended period of time. Physiologically, clavus consist of nothing more than tightly packed, hardened, and dried-out callus cells.
Corns have a horn made of keratin or horny material at their center, which, if left untreated, can grow deep beneath the skin. If the affected area continues to be subjected to pressure and friction, it can cause considerable pain. The horn can penetrate into the cutis and subcutis, where blood vessels and nerves are located. Spontaneous healing is not expected.
Corn on the foot - Clavus classification and causes
Corns can be divided into three categories based on their location, consistency, and morphology: Corns that develop on the back of the toes are called dorsal corns, while those that occur on the soles of the feet are called plantar corns. Corns can also occur between the toes and under the toenail plate, where they can cause particularly painful lesions.
Since corns tend to occur more frequently in some families, biographical or genetic causes are likely. These will primarily be genetically determined, excessive callus formation or a familial predisposition to gout.
However, the tendency to develop corns is primarily related to behavioral factors, such as regularly wearing shoes that are too tight. If the shoes are high-heeled and the skin is prone to dryness, the pressure on the toes and the friction are increased accordingly.
Also worth mentioning are disease-related causes such as certain deformities and foot abnormalities, especially flat feet or splay feet, which can lead to increased development of clavicles. Hallux valgus, toe deformities, and nail changes are also causally linked to the development of corns.
Removing a corn - the surgical procedure
Once the corn develops, chronic pain occurs, prompting the user to relieve pressure on the corn while walking. Poor posture in the foot develops because normal walking becomes difficult and painful.
The radical method for removing a corn would be surgical treatment, which ultimately involves the surgical removal of the entire calloused area on the foot using a sharp spoon. However, if the clavus is the result of a misalignment, surgical correction of the foot may also be an option.
However, such radical treatments are neither necessary nor advisable in the vast majority of cases. Appropriate preventative measures are always ideal to prevent a painful and bothersome corn from developing in the first place. This always includes choosing appropriate and, above all, comfortable footwear and avoiding high heels.
Treating corns - the gentle method
Mosadal offers a whole range of rich care products, all of which, when used regularly, offer valuable benefits for the prevention of corns. Regular use of Mosadal cosmetic products for removing calluses is essential. Exclusive Mosadal foot creams and a special gel are also available for foot care to prevent dry skin, one of the main causes of corns.
Gentle removal of the clavus with Mosadal
If the corn has already developed, the only option is to gently and carefully remove the clavus. To do this, you first need to completely remove the callus on the *pressure point thorn* of the foot with Mosadal. Once you have done this, apply a very fatty care cream around the corn. Then, using a cotton ball thoroughly soaked in Mosadal Lotion, soften the clavus within half an hour. The top layer of skin can now be removed. Repeat this process three or four times until you come across the thorn, which you can then grasp and pull out with tweezers. Now complete your foot care with Mosadal cosmetics and, as a preventative measure, don't forget to regularly remove calluses gently and caringly with Mosadal.
