What should I do if a splinter in my hand that wasn't removed has grown into a corn?

Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
Updated on January 04, 2025
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It is common for an unremoved splinter in the hand to eventually turn into a corn. This occurs because if the splinter is not removed, it causes the body's tissues to reject the foreign object. This rejection leads to the formation of local tissue scars around the splinter, which can subsequently develop into a lump that resembles a corn. As long as the splinter remains in the body, the lump and scar will not disappear. Therefore, surgical intervention is necessary to excise the scar tissue formed under the corn to ultimately heal this condition.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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At what stage should a corn plaster be considered effective?

When applying corn plaster, it is essential to apply it until the area of the corn turns white, remove the white callus, and then continue to apply the plaster. Keep applying until the surrounding skin no longer turns white, leaving only the protruding corn. Once the root of the corn has also necrotized, it can be pulled out from the root. If there is still pain when pulling out the corn, continue using the medication. When the dead skin on the corn turns white, clean, with clear lines, and the newly exposed tender skin is smooth, clean, with clear lines, and there is no pain when pressed, this condition indicates recovery. Corns generally occur due to prolonged pressure on the foot or wearing tight shoes, causing sustained pressure and friction over time.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What is a corn like?

Corns are a common skin disease, closely related to prolonged standing or constant friction and compression under the feet. Corns consist of a hyperkeratosis forming a circular or oval, yellowish appearance. They generally cause severe pain once they develop, and prompt treatment is necessary. This can include the use of topical medications or physical therapy methods, such as laser treatment.

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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.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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The difference between plantar warts and corns

Toe warts and corns are both skin diseases that occur on the feet, but they are entirely different diseases, and many people easily confuse toe warts with corns. First, the causes of toe warts and corns are different. The occurrence of corns is greatly related to compression and friction, while toe warts are mainly caused by viral infections due to reasons such as low immunity. Secondly, their contagiousness is different; corns are not contagious, while toe warts are highly contagious.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Is a corn the same as a callus?

Skin tags are not the same as corns; they are two completely different conditions. Skin tags generally refer to abnormally proliferating tissue at the nail area, and also commonly refer to warts. Corns usually result from localized abnormal friction, causing proliferative growth of the soft tissue, typically located on the sole of the foot. Skin tags and common warts can also occur on the bottom of the feet, but skin tags usually appear as proliferative, tumor-like protrusions on the surface of the skin, whereas corns generally do not protrude above the surface of the skin.