Corns are hyperkeratoses of the skin. This a a thickening of the surface layer of the skin in response to pressure. Corns usually form on the toes, where the bone is prominent and presses the skin against the shoe, ground, or other bones. As corn become thick the tissues under the corn are subject to increased irritation. There may be a deep seated nucleation, this is like a core where the corn is thickest and most painful. As corns become inflamed, there is pain and sometimes swelling and redness. Common places where corns form are; the top surface of the toe, at the tip of the toe, and between the toes.

	A hard growth on the skin of the toes
	Pain on direct pressure against the corn
	Sometimes redness and swelling around the corn, with severe discomfort
	Increased discomfort in tight fitting shoes
	More common in women than men.

	Tight fitting shoes
	Deformed and crooked toes
	Tight socks and stockings
	Seam or stitch inside the shoe which rubs against the toe
	Sometimes a shoe which is too loose, with the foot sliding forward with each step.
	Prolonged walking on a downward slope

Click here for more information about corns from the Mayo Clinic.