A corn is a thickened area of the skin that usually develops over a weight-bearing area of the foot or on an area of the foot that is rubbed constantly by tight-fitting shoes. This thickened area of skin is a highly concentrated callus that can be painful when pressed and can become red and inflamed. Corns are usually small and rough mounds of firm dead skin with a waxy core. Treatments range from the simple to the complex and from home remedies to treatments in the podiatrist's office.
Trimming
Trimming or paring down the corn will help to alleviate the symptoms and the pain but will not stop the growth or eliminate the corn entirely. According to the Mayo Clinic, your podiatrist or primary care physician can trim the thickened skin in the office with a scalpel. This should not be done at home because of the risk of slipping and cutting the foot or cutting the corn too deeply. Instead, you can use a pumice stone at home to remove the outer layer safely. Use a pumice stone after a shower when the skin is moist and pliable. You may also soak the foot in warm water for five to 10 minutes prior to using the pumice stone.
Castor Oil
Castor oil can be used to soften the dead skin and aid in the removal. According to the "Best Health Magazine" website, foot corns can be moisturized with castor oil and a corn pad protector. Use the pads that are not medicated and doughnut shaped. They are sold at pharmacies. Place the pad around the corn. Dab it with a few drops of castor oil on a cotton swab. Next, cover the pad and oil with adhesive tape to hold the pad and oil in place. The castor oil can leak out around the pad and tape, so use old socks for this treatment.
Acid Preparations
Several different acid preparations are available to reduce the size of a corn or eliminate it completely. According to the Health Scout website, the most common forms have a mixture of salicylic acid, lactic acid and collodion. Over-the-counter (OTC) preparations have weaker solutions than prescription preparations. However, the prescription preparations can be more damaging to the bony prominences of the toes. If you are a diabetic or have peripheral vascular disease, you should not use acid preparations because they can cause permanent damage to the area. These preparations should be used carefully; they can cause an ulcer over the area.
Personal Care
Treatment for corns should begin with eliminating the cause of the pressure over the toe or foot. According to the ePodiatry website, proper-fitting footwear and proper foot hygiene will help to eliminate the source of the problem and keep the corns from growing. Emollients and creams will help to soften the dead skin and make removal easier and less painful.
Member Comments