Plantar Corn Treatments

Plantar corns result from frequent pressure and friction between your skin and another surface such as a shoe lining. While viruses cause plantar warts, lifestyle and activity cause plantar corns. Plantar corns often occur on feet, causing the pinky toe to appear swollen and hard with a slight sheen to the skin. Treating a plantar corn requires a combination of prevention and removal.

Debridement

• The plantar corn contains a core, known as a keratin plug, which slowly builds layers of skin around the center. Your physician performs sharp debridement by slowly chiseling away the outer layers of the corn skin using a surgical razor. Debridement usually requires multiple treatments. Before your appointment, soak your feet in warm water and massage the corn with a pumice stone to soften the skin and make the actual debridement easier.

Cushioning

• Reduce the pressure on your plantar corn by adhering small bandages or pads around your toes before exercising or any other potentially aggravating activity. Moisten and soften your plantar corn by massaging a few drops of mineral oil before bedtime and sprinkle antibacterial or anti-fungal powder in the morning before applying the cushion. Other cushioning options include gauze or lambs wool, according to Dr. Daniel Hogan, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the NOVA center.

Surgery

• For more severe and resistant plantar corns, surgery can be the most appropriate option. During the operation, your surgeon will insert a small, slanted scalpel around the edge of the plantar corn, twisting a small circle around its circumference. The surgeon will continue twisting the blade until the entire plantar corn, along with its kerotin plug center, are completely removed from your skin. Post-operative care typically involves sterile padding, along with antibacterial treatments to prevent infection. Avoid regrowing another plantar corn by continuing to use padding and anti-bacterial powders after recovery.