Corn pads are over-the-counter products designed to relieve corns, which are hardened areas of skin that develop due to friction or pressure. They offer a self-care option and come in various forms.
What Corn Pads Do
Corn pads primarily function by either cushioning the affected area or by chemically softening the hardened skin. Non-medicated corn pads, often shaped like a donut, work by redistributing pressure away from the corn, creating a protective barrier. This cushioning alleviates pain and prevents further irritation, reducing friction for healing.
Medicated corn pads typically contain salicylic acid. This active ingredient acts as a keratolytic, dissolving keratin, the tough protein of the corn. The acid softens the corn, making thickened skin easier to remove. These pads are intended for hard corns, which are small, dense areas of skin often found on the tops or sides of toes, or soft corns, which typically form between toes and have a more rubbery texture.
How to Apply Corn Pads
Proper application is important for effectiveness and to minimize irritation. Before applying, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, then dry completely. If the corn is particularly hard, soaking the foot in warm water can help soften the skin, making the pad more effective.
For donut-shaped pads, center the corn within the opening, ensuring the surrounding pad cushions the area without directly covering the corn. For medicated discs, cut to fit if necessary, then apply directly to the corn with the sticky side down. After applying the medicated disc, cover it with the accompanying cushioning pad. Pads should be changed daily, or as directed, to allow the skin to breathe and monitor the corn’s condition.
Who Should Not Use Corn Pads and When to See a Doctor
Certain individuals should avoid medicated corn pads due to health risks. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage (neuropathy) in their feet should not use them. Salicylic acid can irritate or burn healthy skin, potentially leading to wounds, ulcers, or infections, which are hazardous for individuals with these conditions due to impaired healing and sensation. Even non-medicated pads or home remedies like pumice stones should be used with caution or avoided by individuals with diabetes, as they can inadvertently cause skin damage or infection.
Seek medical advice if a corn becomes very painful or inflamed, or if there are signs of infection such as redness, increased pain, swelling, or pus. If a corn does not improve after self-treatment after three weeks, or if it frequently reappears, a healthcare provider should be consulted. Anyone with underlying foot deformities or conditions affecting foot health should consult a doctor or podiatrist before attempting home treatment. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the issue, determine the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate and safe treatment options.