Corns are hardened layers of skin that develop due to pressure and friction response. These can be really frustrating! Calluses may look similar, but they are usually not painful while having a larger area compared to corns. The common question is... how to get rid of corns? The first thing to do before applying natural or professional remedies is to identify the cause and actually get a diagnosis for corns.
1. Causes of corns
- You wear ill-fitting shoes
- You have a pair of broken socks or don't wear them at all
- You play instruments or use hand tools frequently
2. Symptoms of corns
- Skin is sensitive to touch
- A tough, rough, and yellowing patch of bumpy or lumpy skin
- Pain while walking and wearing shoes
Let's see what you can do to remove these annoying corns.
How to Treat Corns?
Numerous problems could happen to your feet or hands that are similar to corns. Therefore, we recommend you to go to a dermatologist before you make up your mind and decide on how to get rid of corn.
1. Home remedies
- Soak your feet in hot water
Corns are hardened and thickened skin as a reaction to constant friction. Therefore, the best natural remedy is soaking your feet in warm water for a while because that softens your skin. Doing this frequently allows you to reduce their size and finally to get rid of them. You can add a cup of apple vinegar to the water and soak it for 15 minutes. The water should be hot! Also, you can add Epsom salts. Corns will peel away after the first treatment that may take a few weeks.
- Use a pumice stone
Pumice stone is a great tool to help clear corns from your feet by using an antibacterial agent and warm water. You have to make sure that it is sterile because it can cause significant infection after use. First, you have to bath, or fill the bathtub and use moisturizing ingredients that help you soften the skin. Use the stone and rub it over the corns but do not overdo it. Overdoing the procedure creates more problems. After a few minutes, stop the rubbing and wash your foot. Repeat this particular process until you wear down the corns from your feet.
- Use protective pads
It's difficult to walk when you have corns on your feet. You should use protective pads that sterilize and secure it while walking around. You will notice less hassle and pain. You'll also be able to find various shapes of protective pads, such as a doughnut shape, that will protect your feet all the way.
2. Professional treatment
- Antibiotic ointments
In most cases, doctors use antibiotic ointments to prevent and reduce the possibility of getting an infection.
- Corns removal surgery
There is a possibility to opt for surgery, but doctors and patients usually try to avoid it. The surgery won't reduce the chances of developing the condition again, which is why surgical corn removal isn't popular at all.
- Take aspirin
A great way to treat corns is to use aspirin for peeling. Combine five aspirin pills with water to create a thick paste, then apply the paste over the corn and cover it with a gauze. After 10 minutes, you should peel it away gently, and you'll notice a significant difference.
Best Preventive Methods
- Wear proper shoes and socks
The first thing that you should do to prevent corns is to avoid tight footwear. We recommend you to always double check while trying on new shoes to see whether your toes have enough space and room to wiggle around. At the same time, you have to make sure that you don't rub too hard against shoes, so you'd better wear thick and comfortable socks.
- Keep your feet clean
After you finish work and go home, we recommend you to soak your feet in warm water and wait until the skin gets softer than before. At the same time, you should maintain proper hygiene of your feet because that's an essential factor when it comes to corn prevention.
- Remove hard skin regularly
Use a pumice stone to reduce any thick area that you can find. This will reduce the chances of getting corns because in most cases, they form in areas that suffer significant pressure.
- Use moisturizing cream
After you finish soaking your feet and using a pumice stone, you should find a moisturizing cream and apply it to the skin to maintain its soft and beautiful character.
Take Home Message
We have presented you a thorough guide on how to get rid of corns. The idea is to maintain proper hygiene and understand that even if you notice something on your feet or hands, there are solutions and natural remedies that will help you prevent infection.
Of course, the problem might become significant enough for you to visit a professional dermatologist. The professional medical worker will give you valuable information and evaluate your condition. If you have had experiences with corns, please feel free to comment in the section below.
For more information on this particular topic, you can check out this video: