If your toes rub against the inside of your shoes, you may develop corns. These build-ups of hard tissue on the toes are a response to friction, like mini calluses. You can remove most corns at home. Then you will need to eliminate the source of friction to keep the corn from returning. You should not attempt to remove corns if you have diabetes, cautions MayoClinic.com, since poor circulation in diabetics can lead to complications. See your doctor if you're diabetic and you develop corns.
Step 1
Soak your feet in a gallon of warm water in a basin with a squirt of liquid soap mixed in. Soaking softens the corns and makes them easier to remove. MayoClinic.com doesn't recommend a specific soaking time, but you should leave your feet in the water long enough to soften skin, 15 minutes or so.
Step 2
Remove your feet from the water and dry with a towel. Rub the pumice stone across the corn to remove the hardened skin. Be gentle and stop rubbing if you experience any pain.
Step 3
Apply moisturizer to your feet, working it into the skin. The moisturizer will further help to soften your skin.
Step 4
Place unmedicated corn pads over the corn. These felt pads cushion the corn from friction. MayoClinic.com cautions against using medicated pads, which contain salicylic acid, which can irritate the skin.
Step 5
Repeat these steps until the corn is gone. It may take several days, depending on the size of the corn.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear better-fitting shoes to keep the corn from returning. If your shoes are too tight, you may be able to have a cobbler stretch them for you.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Liquid soap
- Basin
- Towel
- Pumice stone
- Moisturizer
- Corn pad
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