14th November 2023
How To Get Rid of Corns: 3 Ways
Dr. Jill Barat, PharmDWhile corns aren’t dangerous, they can be irritating, painful, and unappealing to look at.
Corns develop much like calluses, they are caused by excessive friction on an area which leads to the development of hard layers of skin to help try and protect the soft tissue underneath.
However, corns are generally small and painful, whereas calluses tend to be broader and painless.
In this article, we will point you in the right direction for your corn removal options.
1. Pumice stone
A pumice stone is a rough stone that can help scrape off those hard layers of skin covering the corn.
Always be sure to soak your feet for 10-15 minutes before using the stone to help soften everything, and use the stone gently using circular motions.
Sometimes corns can have soft centers, and the skin underneath may be tender, so use your pumice stone carefully.
2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a kitchen staple for many, and may also give you a hand with that lingering corn.
Apple cider vinegar contains natural acids that may help soften and break down those hard top layers of corns.
Dab on some apple cider vinegar to the corn area once daily, taking care to not get any on your healthy skin.
While apple cider vinegar is pretty mild, if your skin becomes red or irritated, or you have diabetes, you will want to skip this one.
3. Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a stronger acid often found in over-the-counter skin products for corns, calluses, acne, and warts.
This acid will help dissolve those top layers of skin, but again, you will want to keep this off of your healthy skin as it will start breaking that down too.
The strengths found over the counter are kept on the lower side, but you can also find higher-strength salicylic acid products from compounding pharmacies with a prescription if needed.
This is another product that should not be used without a doctor’s guidance if you have diabetes, as foot complications are more difficult to treat in diabetics.
When to see a doctor
If you have diabetes, you should always speak with a doctor before trying any treatments on your feet.
Diabetics have a higher risk of foot wounds and infections, and should always have foot issues taken care of by a medical professional.
If you have already tried a few over-the-counter options, but your corn is still hanging around, it may be time to go see a doctor to see what the next steps are.
Also, if your corn gets more painful, it is difficult to walk, or shows signs of infection, you should have it professionally evaluated.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.