Corns and calluses are relatively common foot conditions. When your foot is faced with friction or pressure, it has a defense mechanism that creates thick and hardened layers of skin as a protective measure. Anyone can get corns and calluses, but you can be especially prone to them due to certain conditions. Find out how you can deal with any of these pesky intruders that may come your way.
What You Need to Know
If you have an underlying health condition that is causing your corns or calluses, seek treatment from a medical doctor before attempting to clear up the problem on your own at home. Conditions in this category may include diabetes, or other illnesses that cause poor blood flow to your feet. But if you are healthy and free of medical conditions that would cause complications, go ahead and try the following remedies.
Foot Soak and Pumice Stone
You can attend to your feet regularly by setting up your own home foot spa. Soak your feet in hot water and soap until the skin is soft. You can add apple cider vinegar or Epsom salts if you wish. Next, use a pumice stone or foot file to rub the extra skin off.
When you are done, use plenty of lotion to soften the skin even more. You will not likely deal with the problem in one sitting. Rather, you can minimize the corns and calluses over a period of time with regular and special attention to the area.
Vitamin E and A
This is a great remedy for corns. Both of these important vitamins can be found in capsule form. Whichever one you use, simply squeeze open the capsule and apply to the corn, and then cover your feet with socks for the night. If you repeat this every night, your corns should disappear within time.
Baking Soda
There are a few ways you can use baking soda in the fight against both corns and calluses. The first way is to mix just enough water with baking soda to make a paste, then apply it to the corns or calluses and rub it into the area. You can also add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to a warm foot bath and let your feet soak for as long as you like.
Vinegar
A small amount of vinegar can be poured onto a cotton ball and then taped onto the area you wish to heal. You can use a Band-Aid to fasten the cotton ball in place if you have no other adhesive tape. Leave this remedy on overnight and remove it in the morning, then gently massage the area with a pumice stone.
Corns and calluses are an irritation that are unsightly and can even be painful. If you are in good health, there is no need to have them treated by your doctor. There are several remedies to choose from, and chances are that you may have many of them in your home already. Pick a few that are easily available to you and give it a try. In no time, you will have beautiful, pain-free feet.
