Welcome to our exclusive guide that answers the question What are seed corns? Dive deep into understanding the causes, symptoms and effective remedies. The secrets of seed corns empowering yourself with vital knowledge. Discover actionable insights for optimal foot health, tailored just for you.
What are seed corns?
Seed corns are a type of callus that form on the feet usually on the heels or balls of the feet. They are also known as heloma millares or porokeratosis plantaris discreta. Unlike common calluses, which are thick and hard seed corns are small and soft with a central core that resembles a kernel of corn. Seed corns can cause pain and discomfort when walking or standing, especially if they press on a nerve or blood vessel.
Causes and Risk Factors of Seed Corns
Seed corns are small, hard, circular areas of thickened skin that usually appear on the sole of the foot especially in dry skin conditions. They are also known as heloma miliare. Unlike other types of seed corns are often painless unless they occur in weight-bearing areas or when pressure is applied to them. However, they can still cause discomfort and affect the quality of life of the affected person.
The main cause of seed corns is repeated friction or pressure on the skin which stimulates the production of keratin a protein that forms the outer layer of the skin. This can result from various factors, such as:
Wearing shoes that are too tight, too loose or have high heels which can cause rubbing or squeezing of the foot.
Performing repetitive activities that involve the foot such as running walking or dancing can create friction on the sole of the foot.
Having foot deformities or conditions that alter the shape or position of the bones or joints of the foot such as bunions, hammertoes, bone spurs, arthritis, diabetes or neuropathy. These can cause abnormal pressure distribution or gait changes that can lead to corn formation.
Having dry skin can make the skin more prone to cracking and thickening.
How to prevent infection or complications if seed corns or calluses crack or bleed??
Seed corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that form on the feet due to friction or pressure. They can cause pain and discomfort especially when walking or wearing shoes. Sometimes, seed corns and calluses can crack or bleed which increases the risk of infection or complications.
Here are some tips on how to prevent this from happening:
Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet daily with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Apply a moisturizer to prevent your skin from drying out and cracking.
Wear comfortable shoes that fit well. Avoid shoes that are too tight, too loose or have high heels. Shoes that rub or squeeze your feet can cause more friction and pressure leading to seed corns and calluses. Choose shoes that have enough room for your toes, cushioned soles and breathable materials.
Use protective pads or cushions. You can buy over-the-counter products that can help protect your feet from friction and pressure. These include corn pads, moleskin, foam or felt. Place them over the areas where you have seed corns or calluses but make sure they do not irritate your skin or cause more pressure.
Trim your toenails regularly. Long or ingrown toenails can also cause pressure and friction on your feet leading to seed corns and calluses. Cut your toenails straight across and file any sharp edges. Do not cut them too short or dig into the corners of your nails.
See a podiatrist if you have diabetes or poor circulation. People with these conditions are more prone to developing infections or complications from seed corns and calluses. A podiatrist can examine your feet remove any dead skin and prescribe medications or treatments if needed.
By following these steps, you can prevent infection or complications if seed corns or calluses crack or bleed. However, if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, fever or increased pain you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of seed corns?
Seed corns are a type of callus that form on the feet usually on the non-weight bearing areas such as the toes or the sides of the feet. They are also known as heloma millares or porokeratosis plantaris discreta. They are different from regular corns in that they have a hard center that resembles a seed hence the name. Seed corns can cause pain, discomfort and inflammation when they rub against shoes or socks.
Some of the common symptoms of seed corns are:
- Small circular patches of thickened skin on the feet often with a central plug or core.
- Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied to the affected area.
- Redness swelling or inflammation around the seed corn.
- Difficulty walking or wearing shoes due to pain or discomfort.
How to tell the difference between seed corns and warts, which are another type of skin growth that can occur on the feet?
Seed corns and warts are both types of skin growths that can occur on the feet but they have different causes, appearances and treatments. Seed corns are small, hard, circular spots of thickened skin that develop due to friction and dryness. They are usually painless unless they are in weight-bearing areas. Warts are caused by a viral infection and can appear anywhere on the body. They have a grainy texture and often contain tiny black dots. Warts can be painful and contagious.
To tell the difference between seed corns and warts, you can look at the size, shape, location and skin lines of the growths. Seed corns are always small and round, while warts can vary in size and shape. Seed corns are usually found on the sole of the foot, while warts can appear on any part of the foot. Seed corns do not disrupt the natural lines and creases of the skin while warts do. Seed corns do not have black dots inside them, while warts do.
The treatment for seed corns and warts also differs. Seed corns can be treated by moisturizing the skin, wearing comfortable shoes and using protective pads or cushions. Warts can be treated by using over-the-counter products, freezing, or laser therapy. However, warts may disappear on their own without treatment. It is advisable to consult a podiatrist if you have any doubts about the type of skin growth you have or if it causes you discomfort or pain.