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Corn on a Child's Foot

Corn on a Child’s Foot: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Table of Contents

Corns are among the most common skin changes that occur on the feet, and as such, they can even occur in children. If you notice a corn on a child’s foot, don’t worry – this condition isn’t serious and can be dealt with efficiently. In this text, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of corns, as well as multiple treatment options. 

What Are Corns and What Causes Them?

A corn is a small lesion that occurs on the areas of the foot that are exposed to frequent pressure and friction – for example, from wearing uncomfortable or too small shoes. It’s essentially just a buildup of thickened, hardened skin. The corn can go deep into the skin – it has a root shaped like a cone. Corns can occur anywhere on the foot but are predominantly located on the weight-bearing parts of the foot, on the top of the toes, between the toes, and on the side of the foot. There are three main types of corns – hard, soft, and seed corns. 

What Are the Symptoms of Corn on a Child’s Foot?

The symptoms of corns on a child’s foot may include:

  1. Pain or discomfort while walking or wearing shoes
  2. The presence of a small, raised bump on the skin
  3. Hard, thickened skin on the affected area
  4. Redness or tenderness in the area surrounding the corn
  5. A visible central core in the center of the corn

It is important to note that corns can be painful for children, so if your child is experiencing discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

How to Reduce Corns on a Child’s Foot?

There are a few effective treatments for corn that you can try at home – these methods can help reduce it or even remove the corn completely, depending on how thick the skin buildup is and how deep into the skin the corn goes. 

  1. Choose appropriate footwear: Make sure your child wears shoes that fit well and provide enough room for their toes to move freely. Shoes that are too tight or too small can put pressure on certain areas of the foot and cause corns to develop.
  2. Use padding: Corns can be caused by friction and pressure on the skin. To reduce friction, consider using soft padding or inserts in your child’s shoes.
  3. Soak the feet: Soaking the feet in warm water can help soften the skin and reduce pain associated with corns.
  4. Avoid tight socks and hosiery: Loose, breathable socks and hosiery can help reduce friction on the skin and prevent corns from forming.
  5. Trim toenails: Regularly trimming your child’s toenails can help reduce pressure on the toes and prevent corns from developing.
  6. Seek medical attention: If your child’s corns are painful or do not improve with home treatments, it may be necessary to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment options, including medications or procedures to remove the corn.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

The methods we’ve mentioned above work in so many cases, but sometimes, they won’t be enough to help your child get rid of the corn – if this is the case, you should reach out to a medical professional. Additionally, if you notice signs of infection in the corn, call the doctor. The signs include increased pain, redness, swelling around the corn, pus, and red streaks leading away from the corn.

A podiatrist treating a patient's foot

Consult With Your Surgeon in Miami About the Treatment of Corn on a Child’s Foot

If your child has corn and is experiencing pain, you surely want the best professional care for them – that’s why you should come to Luxe Foot Surgery clinic, where our excellent team can help your little one. Contact us to book your appointment – you can do this by calling our office or filling out an inquiry form on our website. 

FAQ

Can Kids Get Seed Corns?

Yes, kids can get seed corns as a result of too much pressure and friction on a certain point on the foot. In most cases, at-home treatment methods will be effective in getting rid of these corns. 

Should You Dig Out a Corn?

You should never dig out a corn on your own. Instead, try soaking the foot in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes. After that, use the pumice stone to carefully file the corn. 

References 

  1. MyHealth.Alberta.ca. Corns and Calluses in Children: Care Instructions. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ad1372.
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Corns and Calluses. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16896-corns-and-calluses.
  3. Healthline. How to Identify and Treat Seed Corns on Feet. https://www.healthline.com/health/seed-corn-on-foot.

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