How to Treat Corns and Calluses Using Natural Remedies
Corns and calluses result from friction and pressure. On the feet, calluses usually come from wearing ill-fitting shoes or deformities, such as bunions. Calluses also occur on the palms of the hand and fingers from gardening or manual labor. To get rid of these areas of hard, thick skin, use a natural remedy. If the callus has cracked or become infected, though, see a podiatrist for treatment. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Gently file a callus with a pumice stone then moisturize the skin. It may be easier to file the skin after a bath when the skin is soft.
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Cover a corn with a cushioned band-aid or corn shaped pad to alleviate pressure on the corn itself.
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Apply an herbal remedy to the callus, such as diluted chamomile tea, or lemon rind and juice.
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Apply an anti-inflammatory oil, such as chamomile or lavender to lessen pain and bring down any swelling. These will also moisturize the callus if you massage them daily onto the callus or corn.
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Treat yourself to a pedicure twice a week to remove dead skin. Soak your feet in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes. Use the pumice stone to rub gently at hard skin. Dry your feet thoroughly. Massage plenty of moisturizer into your feet.
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Prevent future corns and calluses by wearing proper shoes. Shoes should have a round (rather than pointed) toe with at least an inch between the end of the longest toe and the tip of the inside of the shoe. Avoid high-heeled shoes and pumps, both of which cram the foot down into the toe end, squeezing the toes together and deforming the shape of the foot, applying pressure to all the wrong places. Lace-up shoes hold the foot back into the heel end, ensuring proper weight distribution.
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Tips & Warnings
While you are at home, go barefoot or wear slippers as often as possible.
Do not hack at or cut a callus or corn, not even with any of the corn-removing gadgets you may see at the drug store.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
