Surgical Corn Removal

What is a corn?

A corn is a skin lesion of hard compacted area of dead skin, compressed by pressure, usually over the toe knuckles. It can form a hard “seed” in the centre of surrounding callous (hard skin). Often the toe can be too long or bent (such as a hammertoe), which raises the knuckle that rubs against the shoe. The same treatment (below) can be used for patients with dark or light skin lesions (hyper or hypo-pigmentation). Many of our Asian and Afrocaribbean patients undertake this treatment.

Why only on the feet?

Because we encase the feet in a hard shoe, any regular pressure against a prominent toe joint can cause a callous or corn. The feet uniquely take the whole of the body weight and when this is combined with shoe pressure, the corn is formed.

Why won’t it go?

Despite padding, chemical applications such as corn plasters and chiropody treatment, these skin lesions are very stubborn and unsightly in open footwear and sandals. What is often overlooked is that underneath the corn there is a lump of inflamed tissue which forms, called a bursa. This forms in response to the tissue being rubbed, but in itself it increases the pressure underneath the corn, making it more sore and prominent.

Why Surgical removal?

The procedure is called a skin plasty, which removes the corn completely, and the bursa underneath. In some cases the toe will not require any more treatment and with a little more shoe care, the corn may be permanently removed. In cases where there is a significant deformity such as a hammertoe, the corn may return and surgery to straighten and or shorten the toe may prove necessary.

Where does the procedure take place?

Because the procedure is similar to having a mole removed, it can be undertaken using a quick acting local anaesthetic in our clinical rooms at number 9 Harley St.

What about aftercare?

You will have fine stitches in each toe for 2-weeks and must may sure that the toe is kept straight with nothing rubbing against the top of the toe. The first dressing is quite bulky and we recommend a sandal to wear for the first week. After that you may bathe the toe/s and wear a loose closed shoe such as a trainer or sneaker. After 2-weeks we will remove the stitches and you will then wear a toe protector to soften and reduce the scarline. A fine scar will be placed across the toe in line with your normal skin creases, which fades over time and can continue to improve for up to a year or longer.