Corns are uncomfortable spots that develop on the toes as a result of continuous friction. Corns, usually referred to in the same sentence as calluses, are characterized by hardened skin that appears thick, dry and sometimes comes off in flakes. The sides of the toes, including in between the toes, are common places for corns to develop, especially if a person's shoes are ill-fitting. Corn removal strategies to practice at home can include padding the areas, dissolving the thickened skin through chemical means, and filing the tough spots. Home remedies should not include using sharp implements to remove the corns, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Corns that are problematic and do not resolve through home remedies can be safely removed by a podiatrist.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a common chemical treatment for skin conditions, and may be used in the home to treat corns, according to the Mayo Clinic. The typical format for treating a corn with salicylic acid is a plaster, or bandage form of the medication. The treated bandage or pad, as it is sometimes called, can be placed on the corn and left for up to two days, at which point the corn should be covered with a fresh salicylic acid treatment pad. Usually within two weeks, the hardened skin of the corn softens and dissolves.
Filing
Filing down the skin of the corn can lead to its safe removal, according to the NIH. The Connecticut Surgical Group recommends rubbing down a corn after bathing, when the skin is softer. Using gentle pressure with a pumice stone or a file designed for removing rough skin on the feet can help remove the tough outer layer of the corn. Avoid infection is important; wash the implements after each use with warm soapy water.
Correcting the Cause
Padding corns with O-shaped pads and wearing shoes that eliminate the source of the friction that caused the corn in the first place can become a home remedy for the painful problem. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly puts undue pressure on the feet and can cause the toes to rub against each other and the shoe, leading to calluses and corns. The Connecticut Surgical Group suggests a distance of approximately 1/2 inch from the longest toe to the end of the shoe to avoid friction. One proper footwear is in place, in conjunction with other home remedies, the corns will be able to heal without being constantly irritated.
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