Corns

The average person walks around 10,000 steps daily, some wearing uncomfortable fashionable footwear.

Corns are the result of your fancy-looking feet. 

Corns are small, thickened, and hardened areas of skin that develop on the foot in response to pressure or friction. They usually form on the tops and sides of the toes or on the sole where footwear is repetitively rubbed. Corns can be painful and interfere with everyday walking and wearing shoes comfortably.

For diabetics or people with poor circulation in the feet, they can even be dangerous - if you have either of these medical problems, see a doctor rather than try to treat corns at home.

Types of corns:

  • Hard Corns: Hard corns are the most common type of corn. They have a firm center and usually develop on the tops or sides of toes. They're made up of layers of dead skin cells and often irritate.
  • Soft Corns: Soft corns are more flexible and damp than hard corns. They're often found between toes where the skin is moist. They're more uncomfortable and have a higher risk of infection.

Common causes of corns:

  • Poor-fitting footwear: Tight shoes or high heels can compress the toes and create pressure points.
  • Toe deformities: Hammer toes or bunions can lead to the development of corns due to abnormal toe positions.
  • Foot abnormalities: Flat feet or high arches may cause uneven weight distribution on the feet, leading to corn formation.
  • Activities: Sports or activities that put pressure on specific areas of the feet can contribute to corn development.

Prevention of corns:

  • Wear comfortable shoes and socks to prevent corns.
  • Keep feet clean and dry to reduce friction.
  • Avoid high heels and tight shoes.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures For Corns

Be patient with home remedies, as they may take time to show results.

Seek medical advice if the corn persists, worsens, or becomes painful. A healthcare professional can provide appropriate treatment and may also help identify and address any underlying issues contributing to the development of corns.

Footwear Modifications

Select shoes with a wider toe box to relieve pressure on painful corns, and avoid wearing high heels or shoes that put pressure on those areas.

Non-Medicated Padding

Protect corns with non-medicated pads or cushions from pressure and friction. Find these pads at the grocery or drug store in the footcare aisle.

Salicylic Acid

Over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments can help soften and reduce the size of the corn. Following the instructions when using these products is important for the best results. A pumice stone might help after treatment.

Pumice Stone

To reduce the size of corns and remove dead skin, use a pumice stone. Be gentle and avoid rubbing too vigorously, as this can irritate.

  • Before using the stone, soak your feet in warm water to soften the skin.
  • Then, gently rub the pumice stone over the corn in a circular motion.

Warm Water and Epsom Salt Soak

Soak your feet in warm water to soften the corn and reduce discomfort. Add Epsom salts for added relief. Gently rub with pumice stone after soaking for 10-15 minutes to remove dead skin.

Medicated Moisturizer

Use a lotion containing urea or ammonium lactate on the corn. This can help reduce the size of the corn and soften the skin. Follow all product recommendations.

Foam Toe Separators

Soft corns between the toes can be helped using foam toe separators to reduce pain from friction and pressure.

Castor Oil

To soften the corn and reduce pain, apply a drop of castor oil to the corn and cover with a bandage.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Soak the feet in a bowl of warm water that contains about half a cup of apple cider vinegar for 20 minutes, or soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the corn, and cover it with a bandage to help soften the corn. After soaking, rub the corns gently with a pumice stone.

Aspirin

Crush half a dozen aspirin tablets into a paste with half a teaspoon of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of water. Apply the paste to the corns, then wrap the foot with a warm towel. After about ten minutes, rub the corns gently with a pumice stone.

Epsom Salts

Soak the feet in Epsom salts and warm water twice daily for 10 minutes to reduce inflammation and ease the pain of corns.

Cautions

For persistent corns causing severe pain, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, consult a healthcare professional. Home remedies can help, but seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.