CORN (fromm

See also:

• LAT

Lat. corms,

See also:

• HORN
• HORN (Lat. cornu; corresponding terms being Fr. cor, trompe; Ger. Horn; Ital. corno)
• HORN (a common Teutonic word, cognate with Lat. cornu; cf. Gr. Kipas)
• HORN, ARVID BERNHARD, COUNT (1664-1742)
• HORN, PHILIP DE MONTMORENCY, COUNT

horn)  , in pathology (technically davus), a localized outgrowth of the epidermic layer of the skin, most 'commonly of the toe, with a central ingrowth of a hard horny plug . The underlying papillae are atrophied, causing a cup-shaped hollow, whilst the surrounding papillae are hypertrophied . The condition is mainly caused by badly fitting boots, though any undue pressure, of insufficient power to give rise to ulceration, may be the cause of a corn . Corns may be hard or soft . The hard corn usually occurs on one of the toes, is a more or less conical swelling and may be extremely painful at times . If suppuration occurs around the corn, it is apt to burrow, and if unattended to may give rise to arthritis or even necrosis . The best treatment is to soften the corn with hot water, pare it very carefully with a sharp knife, and then paint it with a solution of salicylic acid in collodion . The painting must be repeated three times a day for a week or ten days . The soft corn occurs between the toes and is usually a more painful condition . Owing to the absorption of sweat its surface may become white and sodden in appearance . The treatment is much the same, but spirits of camphor should be painted on each night, and a layer of cotton wool placed between the toes during the daytime .