Can corns be contagious?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Corns are not contagious; this condition is usually caused by prolonged friction and compression. Corns are characterized by thickened skin, commonly found on the soles of the feet, the front-middle parts of the toes, and the outer edges of the little toes. If corns develop, it is important to eliminate the cause. If there is long-term friction or compression on the feet, it must be avoided. Wear appropriate shoes to reduce pressure and friction. For treatment, you can apply corn treatment ointments. (For specific medications, please administer them under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate blindly.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do corns that don't hurt need to be treated?

Corns are mostly caused by the entry of foreign objects into the skin locally, followed by hyperplasia formed through repeated friction, generally appearing as wedge-shaped on the surface of the skin. If corns are not treated, they might gradually grow larger or increase in size, causing pain during long-term walking. Even if there is no pain temporarily, treatment is still necessary. It is advised to go to the dermatology department of a regular hospital for surgical removal or use liquid nitrogen freezing. This condition can be prevented from recurring by paying attention to one’s walking posture, shoe-wearing habits, and avoiding stepping on dirty things. Regular exercise to strengthen immunity and avoiding walking barefoot are also beneficial.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Why do corns keep increasing in number as they grow?

Corns growing in number and size is usually linked to wearing tight shoes and compression. They are also related to localized friction and irritation. Another possibility to consider when corns multiply is an infection caused by human papillomavirus resulting in plantar warts, which are similar in appearance to corns. Plantar warts are somewhat contagious and can also arise when the immune system is weakened. If your corns are increasing in number, it is important to promptly visit a dermatologist at a reputable hospital. Once a clear diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment options may include carbon dioxide laser therapy or cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen. If you are experiencing frequent corns, it is essential to wear loose-fitting shoes with soft soles, minimize walking, and avoid sitting for long periods.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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There are many small flesh spikes in the corn.

Corns often contain many small flesh spikes, and this condition might be due to plantar warts, caused by factors such as local compression and friction. This disease is actually a type of common wart, usually resulting from abnormal local skin proliferation, leading to keratinization. Physical therapy or surgical methods are generally used to improve this condition. Physical therapy mainly involves excision and separation, and it is essential to use some softening solutions to prevent extensive bleeding. Surgical options mainly include laser and cryotherapy, which can effectively treat and improve the condition, and further analysis and determination can be done based on the specific situation.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What will a worsening corn turn into?

Severe deterioration of corns usually affects walking. When corns appear, treatment options include using corn ointment, choosing carbon dioxide laser treatment, or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Corns mainly result from prolonged compression and friction of the soft tissues of the sole, leading to this skin condition and causing localized pain. If corns develop, it is important to rest and avoid standing or walking for long periods. Also, avoid wearing shoes with very hard soles to prevent the recurrence of corns. When dealing with corns, soaking the feet in warm water to promote blood circulation and prevent the thickening of the skin can be beneficial. Diet-wise, it is advisable to choose low-fat foods.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Corns are formed by the thickening of the skin in response to pressure and friction.

Corns are primarily caused by the prolonged and repeated irritation from foreign objects entering the skin, and they are also somewhat related to one’s walking habits or footwear. Once formed, they can be painful, and in severe cases, may lead to pus-filled infections. Typically, corns can be effectively treated with common corn plasters. If the treatment with corn plasters proves ineffective, one can seek cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen at a dermatology department in a standard hospital. In more severe cases, surgical removal may be necessary. Generally, corns can be completely cured using these methods. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting shoes regularly, avoid tight shoes that compress the feet, and not walk barefoot to prevent foreign objects from re-entering the skin and causing a recurrence of the condition. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)