Corns are classified as hard or soft. Soft corns are usually interdigital and form over the phalangeal condyles between the toes. The keratosis is similar to hard corns, but the overlying tissue becomes macerated because of its location, and the callosity may eventually ulcerate. Hard corns are managed by wearing shoes with a larger toe box size and using padding to reduce pressure and friction. These corns can also be pared down with a pumice stone.
Conservative management is generally effective.
Treatment of soft corns includes keeping the affected area clean and decreasing friction by using gauze or lamb's wool between the toes. It is caused by abnormal pressure on the plantar digital nerves, which results in perineural fibrosis and myxoid degeneration. Active people often describe a sensation of having a stone in their shoe. They commonly feel pain and numbness in the toe area that worsens with activities such as running. The pain subsides when they stop activity, especially after removing the shoe.