Corn
A corn, also known as a "clavus" is a cone-shaped callus that grows inward. A corn develops as a result of prolonged pressure on the same spot. In the center of a callus, dead skin cells accumulate, which can form a corn. This area can become painful because the corn, as the name suggests, grows inward like a "thorn." Often, this puts pressure on the bone or a nerve. People who wear narrow shoes are more likely to develop a corn, as the shoe presses on certain areas of the foot, causing callus formation and eventually a corn. Corns are generally more common in women, as women tend to wear narrow shoes more often than men.
Causes of Corns
- Footwear
Calluses on the feet
Callus formation is a natural protective response of the body. It is the skin's reaction to provide extra protection in areas where there is significant pressure or friction. When excessive pressure is applied to the top layer of the skin (the stratum corneum), the body will thicken the skin in that area. Calluses on the feet often form under the forefoot and heels, but can also develop on and between the toes.
Causes of Calluses:
- Abnormal gait
- Abnormal foot posture
- Foot collapse
- Aging
- Overweight
- Incorrect footwear
Cracks
Foot cracks, also known as fissures or rhagades, are small tears in the skin or the dry callus layer of the foot. These cracks can be quite deep and cause painful feet. The edges of the cracks are often hard, while the skin at the bottom of the crack is very thin, which can lead to bleeding. Foot cracks can occur under the forefoot or at the edge of the big toe, but they are most commonly found under the heels. In this case, they are referred to as heel cracks. Heel cracks develop in the dry callus layer of the heels. This dry callus layer is a localized thickening of the skin usually caused by constant friction or pressure. Cracks between the toes are not true cracks but fissures. These occur due to soft skin and can be associated with a fungal infection.
Causes of cracks:
- Weather
- Skin conditions
- Use of water and cleaning agents
- Aging skin
- Excessive callus growth
- Excessive pressure on the skin
Fungal Nails
Fungal nails are nails infected by a fungus. They often appear white or yellowish, thickened, uneven, or brittle. Sometimes the nail may become partially or completely detached. The term "kalknagel" is commonly used in everyday language, but the correct term for a "kalknagel" is fungal nail or mycotic nail. Fungal infections primarily occur in poorly growing nails, in moist environments, and in damaged nails. Fungal nails are contagious, making it easy for the infection to spread to other nails.
Causes of Fungal Nails
Normally, a nail is too thick for fungi to penetrate, but nails damaged by activities such as sports or by wearing tight shoes can become infected. The cause of fungal nails is a fungus that has invaded the skin or nail and caused an infection. Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, such as bathrooms, saunas, or locker rooms.
People with a weakened immune system, such as those with the flu, the elderly, diabetics, or those who have undergone chemotherapy, are at higher risk of developing fungal nails. In the Netherlands, it is estimated that about 13% of the population suffers from fungal nails. Both men and women are at roughly equal risk of developing fungal nails. The likelihood of a fungal nail infection increases with age.
