Although corns are not usually dangerous, they can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. It's easier to prevent corns than to treat them once they occur -- and prevention isn't difficult. Wearing comfortable shoes, for example, can help inhibit corns from emerging. If you get corns from repetitive movements such as a certain exercise program, take a few days or weeks off while your corns heal.
Getting Rid of Corns
Step 1
Purchase corn pads at your local pharmacy or grocery store. There are several types that can help heal your corns. Some corn pads look like a donut, you place it on your foot with the corn in the hole in the middle. These pads keep the pressure off your corn while it heals, reducing the discomfort. Other pads meant for corns contain salicylic acid -- and these can help remove the dead skin of the corn, according to KidsHealth.
Step 2
Soak old corns in soapy, warm water to soften skin. Then rub corns with a pumice stone. Don't use pumice stones if you're diabetic, as you are more prone to infection, advises the Mayo Clinic. Diabetics can use a washcloth to rub dead skin -- or consult your doctor for other treatment options.
Step 3
Schedule an appointment with a doctor for more intense corn treatments. A doctor can trim your corns with a scalpel, and she can prescribe custom shoe inserts if you have recurrent corns. In some cases your doctor might suggest surgery to fix the alignment of your bones -- if it's determined that bone misalignment is why you get corns, says the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- To prevent corns in the future, don't wear shoes that are too tight. You should be able to wiggle your toes in your shoes. If shoes rub in a certain area, wear different shoes or have your shoes stretched by a shoemaker. You can also buy adhesive felt pads on areas of your foot that rub in the shoe.
- If corns don't go away with home treatment, or are very uncomfortable, see a podiatrist. Never try to cut off corns on your own at home, as this could lead to infection.
Things You'll Need
- Pumice stone
- Warm, soapy water
- Antibiotic ointment
- Corn pads
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