Corn removal
- Description of the treatment
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At Derm-Al Podiatry, the podiatrist removes corns using a drill machine. The advantages of the drill machine, compared to the surgical method, are faster healing and lower risk of developing a new corn in the same spot. Surgical removal requires stitches and the scar caused by surgery may transform into a new corn in the same spot.
Corns are formed as a result of skin cornification due to friction or continuous pressure. The usually develop on upper sides of the toes, on the tips of the toes or in the space between the toes as well as in the metatarsus, where the bones are the most protruding, causing skin friction against a shoe or other bones. As the skin thickens, the pressure on the interior layers of the skin increase, and the corneous layer, not being able to separate, develops a core that grows deep into the skin, intensifying the pain. A characteristic feature of a corn is the core. If a corn is not removed, it is gradually pushed deeper into the skin. The pain grows and inflammation may develop. In some cases, the core may even cut the soft tissue and reach the periosteum.
How does the treatment work:
The treatment begins with examining and interviewing the patient. This is necessary, because patients often mistake a wart or a callus for a corn, and the three require different methods of removal. Having determined that the patient has a corn, the podiatrist removes it using appropriate drill bits. Depending on the type and structure and location of the corn, it may be removed all at once, or more than one sessions may be needed if the core is very deep.
After removal (total or partial) of the core, the area is disinfected and relief dressing is applied. The patient is instructed how to take care of the spot at home.
Sometimes, it is recommended to buy wider shoes with a special insole in order for the effect of the treatment to be permanent.
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