Corns on the feet are a problem that, unfortunately, is familiar to many people. These small thickened areas of skin on the feet can cause quite a bit of discomfort. They can hurt when you walk, rub, and prevent you from wearing your favorite shoes. Over time, even a small corn turns into a source of constant discomfort and daily irritation. But the good news is that it's quite possible to treat them even at home. The main thing is to act correctly and carefully. In this article, we will tell you what kind of pathology this is, why it occurs, and — most importantly — how to remove corns on the feet at home. We'll talk about simple and effective remedies that really work, and give you tips on how to prevent this problem from occurring in the future.
What are corns on the feet?
Corns are areas of rough, thickened skin that most often appear on the feet. They are mainly localized in areas of increased pressure or friction — on the heels, foot pads, and lateral surfaces of the toes. They occur when the upper layer of the epidermis (stratum corner) becomes thickened due to constant mechanical irritation.
Corns on the feet have clear boundaries, a rounded or oval shape, and their size can vary from several millimeters to several centimeters. Unlike ordinary corns, they do not have a hard core, rarely penetrate deeper layers of the skin, and do not cause acute pain. This pathology looks like flat, dense areas with a smooth or rough surface, often with a yellowish or grayish tint. The skin in these areas loses its elasticity and sensitivity, and becomes drier due to the accumulation of keratinized cells.
From a medical point of view, corns on the feet are not a serious pathology that poses a serious threat to health. However, their appearance indicates an overload of the feet and may be a signal to change shoes, lifestyle, or foot care. In advanced cases, if left untreated, corns on the feet can lead to cracks, inflammation, or infection. That is why you should not ignore the problem but pay attention to it in time. Moreover, it can be solved even at home.
Causes of corns on the feet
Corns on the feet do not appear suddenly — their development always has a specific cause. The main ones include:
- Wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes that cause excessive friction and pressure on the foot.
- Curvature of the toes, improper gait, flat feet, impaired load distribution and other anatomical features.
- Prolonged standing or daily activity without proper rest.
- Overweight, which puts additional stress on the feet.
- Insufficient care for dry and dehydrated foot skin.
- Wearing barefoot shoes without socks.
- Sports activities (running, training, long walks) without shoes with cushioning.
Understanding the causes of the problem is the first step to solving it effectively. If you can eliminate the factors that provoke corns on the feet, the treatment will be much faster and the result will be longer.
Symptoms of corns
Corns on the feet form gradually, and in the early stages they are easy to miss. At first, a slight coarsening of the skin appears — usually in the area of constant pressure or friction. This may be accompanied by slight discomfort.
Over time, the lump becomes more noticeable. The skin in this area turns yellow or gray, loses elasticity and becomes less sensitive. A corn is usually hard, dry, and rough to the touch. In more advanced cases, the lesions can cause pain or burning when you walk, especially if the pressure on your foot increases. If corns on the feet are left untreated, the surrounding skin can crack or become inflamed.
So, the main symptoms that indicate the appearance of corns are:
- thickened, rough skin on the feet;
- appearance of dry, discolored or yellowish spots;
- decreased sensitivity in the affected area;
- discomfort or pain when walking.
Early detection of corns allows you to solve the problem much faster and more efficiently.
How to treat corns on the feet at home
How to get rid of corns on the feet? This question worries everyone who has encountered this problem. It is quite possible to cure them at home, especially if the condition has not yet been started. The most important thing is to act carefully and gradually.
Firstly, you should regularly make warm foot baths. You can add sea salt, baking soda, or chamomile decoction to the water. This will help soften the skin. After the bath, you need to treat the problem area with a pumice stone or a special foot file. But without fanaticism, so as not to injure healthy skin.
The next step is to apply a special product for corns. These can be creams or special patches. They gradually soften the stratum corner and help the skin recover. It is very important to use them regularly.
However, if the corns on your feet are painful, deep, have cracks or signs of inflammation, it is better to visit a podiatrist. The specialist will safely remove the seal, give recommendations on how to treat corns on the feet, and help prevent the problem from recurring. In some situations, you may additionally need to consult an orthopedic surgeon.
Remedies for corns
There are many remedies that help to effectively deal with corns at home. Let's take a closer look at the main ones.
Patches to remove corns
This is a convenient option for dealing with localized seals. These patches usually contain salicylic acid, which softens dead skin cells.
How to use: Apply the patch directly to the corn for 1–2 days (depending on the instructions). Then carefully remove it and treat the skin with a pumice stone. Repeat the procedure until the pathology disappears completely.
Creams for removing corns
These products contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, urea, and lactic acid. They gently exfoliate rough skin and stimulate its renewal.
How to use: Apply the cream 1–2 times a day to cleansed and dry skin in the area of corns. It is recommended to apply after a warm bath. The course is from 7 to 14 days.
Products for peeling the skin of the feet
These can be special socks or gels. Thanks to their active composition, they exfoliate dead skin cells.
How to use: Steam your feet with a foot bath, remove the top layer of dead skin with a pumice stone, and pat your feet dry. Next, apply the peeling product, leave it on for the amount of time specified in the instructions, and rinse it off with water.
Moisturizers
After corn removal, the skin needs to be restored and regularly moisturized. To do this, you should use creams with glycerin, panthenol, shea butter or avocado oil.
How to use: Apply moisturizer to clean feet every night.
Conclusion
Bunions are not just a cosmetic problem, but a signal that your feet need help. They appear gradually, but can cause significant discomfort and even pain. The good thing is that in most cases, you can deal with them yourself at home. Regular baths, gentle exfoliation, special products, and high-quality moisturizing are simple steps that will help get rid of the pathology and prevent its reappearance. And if the problem is deeper or accompanied by pain, do not delay a visit to a specialist.