How to Cure Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are unsightly. These develop when your skin tries to resist itself against friction and pressure. Most often, these develop on the feet and toes or hands and fingers. The symptoms of corns and calluses are thick, rough and raised bumps. It can cause pain under your skin.

Corns and calluses are more likely to lead to complications if you are a diabetic or have a medical condition that causes poor blood flow to your hands or feet.

What Can Be Done

The treatment for corns and calluses centres on avoiding repetitive actions that caused them to develop at the first place. There are things that can help resolve them, including properly fitting shoes, protective pads and other self-care measures.

The following are some self-care and medical treatment options for corns or calluses.

Callus-removing Medication

Applying a callus patch (containing 40 percent salicylic acid) can help you get rid of them. Some of these patches are available without a prescription, but it is better to ask your doctor before using them to know how often you need to replace this patch. In some cases, the doctor may suggest using a pumice stone, nail file or emery board to smooth away dead skin before applying a new patch. Those with callus may also get a prescription for salicylic acid in gel form. Doctors can prescribe medications to reduce infection-risk or an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection.

Trimming Away Excess Skin

During an office visit, your doctor can pare down thickened skin or trim a large corn with a scalpel. You should not try to do this yourself as there can be a risk of infection.

Shoe Inserts

Shoe inserts are recommended to those who prevent recurring corns or calluses. Also, in the case of an underlying foot deformity, your doctor may prescribe custom-made padded shoe inserts.

Surgery

Surgery is the last resort and chosen only in rare instances where the alignment of a bone is what is causing friction.

Home Remedies

Home remedies can help clear up a corn or callus. Soaking your hands or feet in warm, soapy water softens corns/calluses and makes it easier to remove thickened skin.

You should consider treatment for corns and calluses if they are a source of discomfort. Seek your doctor's advice on proper care for corns and calluses when you spot one.

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