A corn (heloma) is a localised thickening of the skin, often more painful than a simple callus because it has a hard core that presses into deeper tissue. Prevention mainly means removing the mechanical cause.
1. Choose suitable footwear
Most corns appear because shoes are too narrow, too short or too rigid. Prefer a wide toe box, good heel hold, and try shoes later in the day when the foot is slightly more swollen.
Avoid styles that compress the toes or rub a seam over an already sensitive area. If you wear heels, alternate with flatter shoes to reduce forefoot pressure.
2. Reduce friction
Well-fitting socks and careful lacing already reduce a lot of friction. On an at-risk area, temporary protection (pad or non-medicated dressing) can help, provided the skin does not stay damp underneath.
Be careful with corn plasters sold in pharmacies: they often contain acid that can irritate or burn healthy surrounding skin, especially in people with diabetes or fragile skin.
3. Care for the skin without damaging it
Moisturise dry areas regularly to limit excessive callus. Do not cut or rasp a corn yourself with non-sterile tools: the risk of infection and injury is real.
If thickening returns in the same place, it often points to deformity, abnormal pressure or unsuitable footwear. A practice assessment can identify the cause.
When to see a medical pedicurist
Book an appointment as soon as a corn becomes painful when walking, if redness or inflammation appears, or if it keeps returning despite precautions. In diabetic patients, any foot lesion deserves prompt care.
At the practice, corn treatment involves removing the corn and its core with sterilised instruments, then focusing on prevention to reduce recurrence.