What Are the Treatments for Corns on the Feet?
Corns on the foot are a build up of thickened layers of skin. Corns form in reaction to repeated pressure or friction and are the body's way of protecting the skin from further damage or injury. Corns can be painful and unattractive.
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Comfortable Shoes
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Wearing shoes that fit properly reduces friction between the foot and the shoe. Wearing socks with shoes when possible also reduces friction.
Cushioned Pads
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Protective corn pads are available over-the-counter and can be worn to absorb pressure caused by the shoe.
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Topical Acid
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Topical acid is available without a prescription and softens the thickened skin so that the corn can be gently rubbed off.
Soaking
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Soaking the corn in Epsom salt and warm water mix provides pain relief & decreased swelling. Soaking also helps to soften the corn.
Warning
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Due to increased risk of infection, diabetic patients should not attempt to treat corns themselves.
Surgery
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In rare instances, corns can prove unhealthy and will require surgery by a health care provider to be removed.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of nutmeg) (megan soh
