Corns, areas of thick, dead skin, form to protect the skin and underlying structures from injury. Generally found on the feet where the toes rub together, corns result from repeated pressure or friction on a single area of the skin. Corns typically occur due to ill-fitting footwear, walking barefoot or regularly wearing socks that don't fit. Several home remedies may help remove corns. Talk to your doctor if the corns becomes painful or do not improve after using home remedies for a few weeks.
Castor Oil
Castor oil, a natural moisturizer often used on very dry skin, may help remove corns over time, according to Bill Gottlieb, author of "Alternative Cures." For the best results, apply a non-medicated corn pad, found in most drugstores and pharmacies, and then coat the corn with a layer of castor oil. You may need to use a cotton swab to to get the oil into the hole on the corn pad. This method provides moisture to the skin throughout the day, and will eventually remove the corn if used regularly. Continue the treatment each day until the corn disappears, which may take a few weeks.
Foot Soak
MayoClinic.com recommends soaking a corn in warm, soapy water, as this softens thickened, dry skin and makes the corn easier to remove. Soak the corn for at least 15 to 20 minutes in water that's as warm as you can tolerate, then use a pumice stone to file away hardened skin. Do not try to file away the entire corn in one sitting, as this may irritate the skin. Instead, repeat the treatment each day until the corn disappears completely. This may take several days or weeks, depending on how thick and hard the area has become.
White Vinegar
An old folk remedy for corns, a white vinegar and bread poultice may help remove corns relatively quickly. In her book "Healing Remedies," Lydia Wilen recommends soaking a piece of bread in white distilled vinegar for about 30 minutes. Apply the soaked bread directly to the corn and secure it in place with medical tape. Put on a white sock over the poultice and allow it to remain overnight. Wilen suggests that the corn may completely peel away in the morning, but particularly large or stubborn corns may require a few repeat treatments.
Fig Pulp
Figs contain protein-dissolving enzymes that may help remove corns and other unwanted skin growths. In his book "The Green Pharmacy," herbalist James A. Duke recommends applying a fresh fig directly to the corn. For the best results, open a fresh fig and apply its pulp to the affected area. Tape in place, allow to remain overnight and remove the following morning. Soak the foot in warm water for at least 30 minutes, then rub the corn gently with a pumice stone to remove. If some of the corn still remains, repeat the treatment as needed.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Corns and Calluses
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "Natural Remedies: Nondrug Healing Strategies that Work Best"; Prevention Health Books Staff; 1999
- "Healing Remedies"; Lydia Wilen, Joan Wilen; 2008
- "The Green Pharmacy"; James A. Duke; 1998
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