Corns occur when dead skin builds up on the top, side or end of a toe. If not treated properly, corns can develop blisters, and the surrounding skin can become red, irritated or painful. Corns on the top of the toe can rub against the inside of shoes, making the problem worse, because pressure usually causes corns in the first place. To prevent corns and keep your toes comfortable while your corns heal, wear properly fitting shoes and a pair of polyester-cotton blend socks that wick away moisture.
Step 1
Soak your feet in warm, soapy water and then smooth away the dead skin with a pumice stone or metal file.
Step 2
Moisturize your toes regularly to help keep the skin soft.
Step 3
Apply non-medicated corn pads or protectors to your corns to help decrease irritation and tissue buildup and relieve pressure. You can purchase these at relatively little cost at most drugstores and grocery stores.
Step 4
Visit your doctor if your corns are extremely thick. Doctors can pare down large corns with a scalpel, usually in one office visit. Your doctor might also recommend that you apply a patch that contains 40 percent salicylic acid or apply an antibiotic cream to reduce your risk of infection.
Tips and Warnings
- People sometimes mistake warts for corns. The center of a wart, however, has tiny blood vessels that appear as small dark spots, while a corn does not. If you're unsure whether you have a corn or wart, see your doctor before beginning home treatment. If you have an underlying foot condition, your doctor might prescribe custom shoe inserts, also known as orthotics, to prevent your corns from recurring. In rare instances, doctors perform surgery to correctly align the bone causing the problem.
- People who have diabetes are at higher risk for infection and should not use a pumice stone. Shaving or cutting corns at home can lead to infection.
Things You'll Need
- Pumice stone or metal file
- Moisturizer
- Non-medicated corn pads or protectors
- Comfortable shoes
- Polyester-cotton blend socks
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