A corn is a thickened area of skin, typically on the feet or toes, that forms due to repeated pressure or friction. Ill-fitting footwear is the most common cause, creating constant rubbing or irritation.
Safe Home Treatment Options
Managing a corn at home often involves softening the hardened skin to facilitate its gradual removal. Begin by soaking your foot in warm water for approximately five to ten minutes to soften the thickened skin. Adding Epsom salts to the water can further enhance this softening effect.
Once the skin is softened, gently use a moistened pumice stone or an emery board to file away the dead tissue. Use gentle circular or sideways motions over the corn. Exercise caution to avoid removing too much skin, as this could lead to bleeding or an infection. After filing, apply a moisturizing cream daily to keep the skin soft. Look for products containing ingredients like urea or ammonium lactate for best results.
Over-the-counter salicylic acid patches or liquids are also used to treat corns. Salicylic acid breaks down keratin, the protein forming the corn, allowing excess skin to shed. Apply these products to dry skin, protecting surrounding healthy skin with petroleum jelly to prevent irritation. Salicylic acid products can lead to more complete resolution and reduced pain compared to shaving.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
While many corns can be managed at home, some situations require professional medical attention. Consult a doctor or podiatrist if a corn becomes severely painful or interferes with daily activities like walking. Such pain indicates the corn may be pressing deeper into sensitive tissues, requiring expert evaluation.
Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus oozing from the corn, warrant immediate medical care. Individuals with underlying health conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage should avoid self-treating corns. These conditions impair healing and increase the risk of serious complications from home remedies. If home treatments are ineffective or corns frequently recur, seek professional advice to address underlying issues.
Preventing Corns
Preventing corns involves minimizing friction and pressure on your feet. A key step is wearing properly fitting shoes that are neither too tight nor too loose. Shoes should provide ample space in the toe box, allowing toes to move freely, ideally with about half an inch of room between your longest toe and the shoe’s tip. Opt for footwear made from soft, flexible materials like leather or fabric, which conform to the foot’s shape and reduce rubbing.
Avoid high heels and shoes with narrow, pointed toes, as these styles increase pressure on the toes and contribute to corn formation. Using protective padding, such as moleskin or donut-shaped corn pads, reduces friction on specific areas. Wearing appropriate socks adds a protective layer, preventing direct rubbing between your foot and the shoe. Regularly moisturizing your feet keeps skin soft, reducing dryness and friction. Keeping your toenails properly trimmed prevents them from pushing against shoes or adjacent toes, preventing corns.