Foot corns are found on toe joints and are the result of wearing ill fitting shoes. They are a normal body response towards friction or pressure and results in the skin thickening, causing discomfort and pain. Medical experts have divided foot corns into two types: soft corns and hard corns, where soft corns are found between toes and can result in fungal or bacterial infections if not treated in time.
Causes
The type of shoes you wear is directly responsible for foot corns. Keeping feet closed all the time can also result in corns or calluses. Additionally, if your job requires you to stay on your feet all the time, the wrong type of shoes can result in painful corns. You should never allow your feet to get too sweaty such as in summers, when it is important to allow your skin to breathe. When you are not at work, make sure that you are either barefoot or are wearing open sandals.
Solutions
A lot of over the counter products are available to heal foot corns but homemade remedies are definitely considered the best since they do not contain any harmful chemicals or other ingredients. There are several home remedies that can heal foot corns if used over a period of time.
One such remedy is to make a paste of six crushed aspirin tablets and half teaspoon each of water and lemon juice. Apply it to all hardened areas of your feet including corns, calluses and soles. Wrap your feet in a plastic cover and cover it with a hot towel. Unwrap and scrub the paste off with a pumice stone after 10 minutes. The dead skin becomes loose and can be easily removed.
Alternatively, Morpheme Remedies suggests dipping a piece of cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the corn, leaving it on for 24 hours. This loosens the corn and helps it comes off.
Stop wearing uncomfortable shoes. This is perhaps the best solution to avoid corns in the long term. When buying shoes, make sure you invest in a pair that fits you perfectly and is comfortable to walk in, especially if buying it for daily use. Finally, wash your feet daily with a mild antiseptic soap and lukewarm water. Apply talcum powder to keep it dry.
Problems
One major problem with homemade remedies is that they take some time to act. You will not be able to find an instantaneous solution to foot corns. Remember that the corn became painful over a period of time, so any solution will also take time to remove all that thickened skin.
Precautions
Remember to always keep your feet clean to avoid the formation of corns and other infections. Additionally, invest in a good pair of shoes for everyday use. Give your shoes a test walk for about 15 minutes, before buying them.
Tips
A bi-monthly pedicure is also a great way to stop corns from forming. You can also scrub off the dead skin with a pumice stone when taking a bath.
