How to Safely Remove a Foot Corn at Home?
Do you have corns on your feet and don’t know how to treat them? Are you looking for an effective solution to bring comfort back to your steps? Stay with us on “How to Safely Remove a Foot Corn at Home” and discover everything you need to know about this common issue and how to tackle it step by step. Your feet will thank you!
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How to Remove Corn From Your Foot at Home?
Foot corns can be a painful and annoying issue, often caused by regular and excessive pressure on the skin. These small, thickened skin patches are usually round and soft to the touch when moist, and they differ from calluses, which are larger and typically form on the soles of the feet due to the pressure of body weight. Common causes include poorly fitting shoes, standing for long periods, and manual labor that puts pressure on the feet.
If you’re dealing with persistent corns or calluses that are cramping your style, here are some effective home remedies to consider:
14 Natural Ways on Safely Removing a Foot Corn at Home
In this section, we present 14 natural and effective methods to get rid of those annoying corns, without the need for harsh chemicals. Keep reading to discover how to relieve the pain and restore softness to your feet using ingredients you probably already have at home.
1. Castor Oil
Castor oil is known for softening corns, helping them eventually disappear. Apply the oil three times a day and continue daily until the corn completely vanishes. However, avoid using castor oil on broken skin.
2. Pumice Stone
After soaking your feet in warm water for about 5-7 minutes, gently rub the corn with a pumice stone for 2-3 minutes. This helps remove the dead skin and should be done daily for quicker healing.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
This kitchen staple not only softens corns but also exfoliates dead skin cells and kills bacteria due to its antibacterial properties. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, apply it to the corn, and follow up with tea tree oil after the vinegar dries. Repeat daily until the corn falls off.
4. Garlic
Garlic is effective for corn removal. Rub a garlic clove on the corn, place half of it on the corn overnight covered with a bandage, and wash the area the next morning. Repeat nightly.
5. Coconut Oil
As a moisturizer, coconut oil softens the corn, making it easier to remove with a pumice stone. Apply three times a day until the corn can be peeled off.
6. Turmeric and Honey
A paste of turmeric powder and honey can reduce the size of corns within a few days due to their healing and antimicrobial properties. Apply twice daily.
7. Lemon
The acidic nature of lemon helps reduce corns. Apply a lemon slice to the corn, secure it with a bandage overnight, and continue until the corn is gone.
8. Onion
With antioxidants that aid healing, onions can be placed on the corn overnight, secured with gauze, to promote healing and reduce scarring.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal’s exfoliating properties can soothe the skin. Apply cooled, boiled oatmeal to the corn and rinse off after 10-15 minutes, repeating twice daily.
10. Vitamin E Oil
Known for its skin benefits, vitamin E oil softens the corn when applied nightly and covered with a sock.
11. Baking Soda
As a natural exfoliant, baking soda helps remove the dead skin layer over the corn. Soak your feet in a baking soda and warm water solution, then use a pumice stone.
12. Flaxseed Oil
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, flaxseed oil can soften corns when applied overnight under a bandage.
13. Aloe Gel
Aloe gel or fresh aloe leaves can be applied overnight to soften and ease the removal of the corn.
14. Epsom Salts
Soak your feet in Epsom salt water to soften the skin, then gently file down the corn with a pumice stone.
Medical options to remove a Foot Corn
If home remedies haven’t worked or if you prefer a quicker and safer solution, there are several medical options available to remove foot corns. In this section, we’ll explore the treatments that healthcare professionals can offer you:
Medical Treatments
Medical interventions for corns can vary depending on their severity and the discomfort they cause. Two common medical treatments for corns include scraping and filing.
Scraping: For large and painful corns, medical scraping is necessary. This procedure should be performed by a healthcare provider such as a doctor or a podiatrist. It involves shaving off the excess skin buildup that forms the corn, providing immediate relief from pain.
Filing: If the corn is causing irritation but is not overly large, gently filing it down with a pumice stone can be beneficial. Before filing, it’s recommended to hydrate the skin and soak the corn in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften the skin.
The pumice stone should be used in light, circular or sideways motions to avoid removing too much skin, which can lead to bleeding or infection. The process should be repeated regularly until the corn diminishes.
Surgical Interventions
When conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical options might be considered to remove corns permanently. The procedure typically involves:
Outpatient Surgery: This minor surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local and possibly general anesthesia. The procedure focuses on the bones at the joints (PIP and DIP joints) where corns are commonly found. By making precise alterations to the bone structure, such as reducing the size of the bone head, the pressure points that cause corn formation are alleviated.
Post-Operative Care: Recovery is generally straightforward. Patients can usually bear some weight on the foot soon after surgery, but the foot must be kept dry to prevent infection. Absorbable sutures or pins that don’t require removal may be used to close the surgical site. Normal activities can typically resume within a few weeks, with full healing and fading of scar tissue taking up to a year.
This surgical approach not only removes the corn but also addresses the structural issues that lead to corn formation, potentially providing a permanent solution to recurrent corn problems.
When to See a Doctor for Foot Corn?
Knowing when to seek medical attention for foot corns is crucial, especially if home remedies are not providing relief or if there are complications that may require professional intervention. Here are situations that indicate it’s time to consult a doctor:
- If You Have Diabetes or Neuropathy: Individuals with diabetes or numbness in the feet should regularly check their feet due to increased risk of skin and nerve injuries. Diabetics are particularly advised against treating corns on their own because of their heightened risk of infection and slower healing times.
- Persistent Pain or Symptoms: If the corn causes persistent pain, redness, warmth, or discharge, these could be signs of an infection or deeper tissue damage, requiring prompt medical assessment.
- No Improvement with Home Treatment: If your corn does not improve with self-care measures, such as using over-the-counter pads or changing footwear, it’s advisable to see a healthcare provider.
- Frequent Recurrence of Corns: Frequent or recurring corns could indicate underlying issues like bone deformities, poor bone alignment, or abnormal gait. A doctor can evaluate these conditions to determine if special shoe inserts, padding, or even surgery might be necessary to prevent recurrence.
- Uncertainty About Your Condition: Sometimes what appears to be a corn might be another type of skin condition. If you’re uncertain or if the corn becomes inflamed, consult a healthcare professional to get a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- When Professional Foot Care is Needed: Individuals with severe or persistent corns should consider consulting with a podiatrist or dermatologist. Medical professionals can provide more advanced treatments, such as trimming the corn in a safe setting, prescribing medication to soften the hard skin, or in severe cases, surgical options.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure proper care for your feet and avoid complications associated with improperly treated corns.
Medically reviewed by Aleksandr Plotkin, DPMDoctor of Podiatry