What is a seed corn?

Understanding Corns and Seed Corns

Corn: A corn is a thickened, hardened area of skin with a dense central core, often surrounded by inflamed tissue.

Seed Corn: A small, specific type of corn that typically appears as a firm, circular patch.

Location: Seed corns usually develop on the soles (bottoms) of the feet.

Symptoms: While often painless, they may cause discomfort when pressure is applied—such as during walking or running.

What Causes Seed Corns?

Seed corns develop when your skin thickens in response to repeated friction or pressure. Common causes include:

Dry skin, particularly on the heel or arch (plantar tissue), where constant rubbing occurs.

Barefoot walking, which exposes feet to direct friction.

Ill-fitting footwear, such as:

Shoes or sandals worn without socks.

Tight shoes or high heels that squeeze the feet.

Loose shoes that slide and create friction.

Internal shoe irritation, like seams or stitches rubbing against the skin.

Prolonged pressure, such as:

Standing on hard surfaces for extended periods.

Uneven weight distribution while walking, overloading specific areas of the foot.

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