Corns can be very tough to deal with. They are hardened layers of skin developed as our skin attempts to protect itself. Corns are formed because of various reasons, the main being - constant friction and pressure. They are similar to calluses but are often more painful than them. They are not that dangerous, but they can cause supreme discomfort.
Anita Golani, Founder, iORA, a DIY Salon Kit Series shares some simple home remedies to deal with corns.
How to spot/identify corn on your body?
- Corns are more often formed and sighted on the top and sides of your feet, toes, hands, or fingers.
- They are typically round in shape.
- At first, your skin starts getting sensitive to touch.
- You might feel a slight pain while wearing some footwear.
- The affected skin area starts getting hard, lumpy, and turning slightly yellow.
People sometimes confuse between corns and calluses. The difference is that corns hurt more than calluses. This is because corns cause skin inflammation.
Note: Diabetic patients should remain extra cautious as poor blood flow to the feet can pose a greater risk of complications. In case of a severe condition, a doctor’s consultation is advisory for proper care.
Whereas, sometimes, treating corns and calluses can be simply eliminated with certain home remedies and preventive measures. Eliminating the source of friction, taking proper care can help prevent the formation of corns in the first place.
Let’s have a look at a few home remedies to treat corns effectively.
- Lemon
The center of the corn causes a great deal of pain and is inflamed the most. To ease out this pain, squeeze out some fresh lemon juice and apply it to the corn’s center point. Repeat this process until the center hardens and eventually falls out. With zero side-effects, lemon is your go-to home remedy for such treatments. Plus, you can follow this remedy as long as you want to.
- Garlic
Garlic is used in the treatment of many skin ailments as an ayurvedic ingredient. It promotes faster healing as it treats corns from the root. Garlic is packed with antioxidants that help in fighting bacterial and fungal infections. For this remedy, make a paste of a few garlic cloves and apply it directly to the corn’s surface. Keep it overnight and wash your feet with warm water the next morning. Repeat this remedy until you get relief.
- Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E has nourishing and moisturizing properties. Apply it on your corns to soften the hard skin. We recommend performing this remedy at night. Make sure to wear a clean pair of socks after applying the oil. It also has antioxidants like garlic, which help heal the corn effectively. You can repeat this method until your corns are cleared.
- Onions
Fight foot infections with the powerful acids present in onions. They counterbalance the infections that cause corns. Onion juice is so potent that it makes the hard formed skin layer to flake off gradually. To get rid of dead skin cells like this, apply onion juice on your corns and cover it with a clean cloth for 2 days. This will eventually soften the skin and heal it.
- Baking Soda
Yes, this again! Baking soda is like the most universal product of all. It is a natural scrubber that exfoliates the dead skin cells around the corn. All you have to do is, simply dip your feet in warm water that has baking soda mixed in it. Let them soak for 15 minutes before exfoliating your feet with a pumice stone. Baking soda has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents that help prevent infections.
- Castor Oil
Castor oil is great to treat most dry skin conditions such as corns and calluses themselves. Simply mix some liquid soap and castor oil in hot water. Use this liquid to wet your pumice stone and scrub your calluses off gently.
- Pineapple
Yes, you read that right! Pineapple peels are used to cure calluses and corns. It has amazing medicinal properties. Just slice a small pineapple peel and place it on your corn. Secure it with a bandage and let it stay that way overnight. Remove the bandage the next morning and apply some coconut oil to the corn. Repeat this process for a few days until you feel relieved.
Other home treatments include -
- Soaking your feet often in warm water to soften the calluses and soothe your muscle tension. Keep them submerged for 10 to 15 minutes and scrub off the soft skin later.
- Make a habit of applying lotion to your feet frequently. Dry skin can aggravate callus and corn formation. Therefore, keeping the skin moisturized is the key. A cream or lotion that contains Salicylic Acid should be used as it inhibits the ability to soften the corns. But beware, if you are diabetic, consult a doctor before using such a lotion.
- Weekly scrubbing should be practiced for people facing the issue of callus formation. Keep a pumice stone, foot filer, or washcloth in handy while doing so. Make sure to not over-exfoliate the skin while scrubbing. Know when to stop!
- Wear comfortable shoes that allow your skin to breathe. Buy the right foot size and keep an eye on the shape of your footwear. All these small things can lead and aggravate corn formation. Use high-quality socks and a comfortable pair of shoes.
- Always trim your foot nails. Long nails can constantly push your toes against the shoe. This friction can lead to corns. Avoid such small mistakes and try relieving your feet from all this pain.
