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CLAVI - (CORNS)

This patient information on Corns is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida.  This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

What is it?    This is a common horny growth of the foot.  In general terms clavi are known as corns.  Corns can occur at any age, but they are more frequently seen in older adults.  Typically they appear as hard, often painful, skin colored knots on the sole, sides, or toes of the feet.  they are frequently confused with warts.

What causes it?    Corns are caused by excessive friction or pressure on a localized area of the foot.  The skin responds to this pressure by thickening.  The thickening continues until the hard knot or "corn" is formed.  The most common cause is poor fitting shoes.  Corns are seen more frequently in older individuals because the protective fat pads in the feet tend to thin with age.  With thin fat pads the pressure is not distributed evenly and corns form.

Is it dangerous?    They are harmless, but they can be very painful and disabling.

Can it be cured?    Treatment can help existing corns, but more will form if steps aren't taken to redistribute the pressure.

Will it spread?    You can get more if other areas of the feet are exposed to continuous friction or pressure.

Is it contagious?    It is not contagious and you cannot  "catch it" from anyone.

© John L. Meisenheimer, M.D.  2004                                   WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.com

Last modified: 08/27/06