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Health

Can you cut a corn?

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 12.08.2022
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Many people have such a question: is it possible to cut off dry corns? This refers to dry (hard) corns, which often have a dense keratin core (root), which penetrates deep into the dermis and therefore can cause pain when walking. [1

Preparation

If  it is not possible to get rid of callus , as well as  dry calluses on the legs with and without a stem  by conservative methods - using keratolytic  ointments for calluses  or  patches for dry calluses , then specialists can cut it off with a scalpel, remove it by electrocoagulation, burn it out with a laser or freeze it with liquid nitrogen.

Preparation for the removal of corns with a scalpel consists in antiseptic treatment and the introduction of a local anesthetic.

Technique of the cutting corns

The callus removal technique requires sterile conditions and the use of special surgical instruments. [2]

How to cut dry corn? Thickened dead (keratinized and hardened) skin is first softened with a urea-containing agent, and then it is carefully and methodically removed in thin layers by moving the blade over the calloused area - until the surface of living skin appears.

Some specialists for calluses on the side of the toe or around the back of the heel use an electric tool (similar to an electric razor) with several thin blades that slide over the skin.

How to cut a corn root? The podiatrist drills  it with a special tool - milling cutters of various sizes and modifications (hollow diamond-coated or stainless steel with notches), which are used in medical pedicure devices - milling cutters.

Along the edges, the wound is treated with antiseptics; in the recess where the core (root) of the callus was, lay the ointment for healing; an aseptic bandage is applied to the area of the skin where the corn was.

Contraindications to the procedure

Cutting the corn is contraindicated at elevated temperatures and exacerbations of any diseases, patients with diabetes, pregnant and lactating women.

Consequences after the procedure

The cutting of corns is associated with two main consequences: infection - with the development of an inflammatory process and damage to the deep layers of the skin (basal and prickly).

Care after the procedure

After this procedure, you should treat the skin at the site of callus removal with antiseptics, apply the recommended ointments to accelerate healing, and, until complete healing, wear shoes with orthopedic insoles, reduce physical activity on the legs, do not take baths, do not go to the sauna or pool.

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