Corns, localized areas of thickened skin, develop as a protective response to repeated pressure or friction. This pressure, typically exerted on bony prominences, stimulates the skin to produce extra layers of keratin, a tough, fibrous protein. This accumulation of keratin forms a hard, dense mass, which is the visible corn. A common location for corn formation is on the toes, particularly where footwear causes rubbing or squeezing. The pain associated with these lesions arises from their structure and location.
The discomfort stems from the fact that the hardened core of the growth presses inward, directly impacting sensitive nerve endings within the skin. As the corn thickens, it acts like a foreign body, compressing the nerves and causing sharp, localized pain, especially when pressure is applied. Furthermore, the surrounding tissue may become inflamed and irritated, contributing to the overall sensation of discomfort. Ignoring the underlying cause of pressure can lead to progressively larger and more painful lesions.
