Corn vs. Callus: Effective Remedies for Foot Corns and Calluses

How can we eliminate foot corns? Our feet, the smallest yet vital parts that keep us upright without rest, deserve diligent care as part of our daily routine. 

However, in reality, we often neglect even the minimal time for foot care. This oversight inadvertently leads to the thickening of our skin, resulting in the gradual formation of corns and calluses over time.

This hardened layer of skin can become painful and significantly enlarged. In this article, we will explore methods to eradicate foot corns and calluses, including home remedies for their removal. Let's start:

What are Corns and Calluses?

At first glance, human feet appear simple, yet they comprise 26 bones. The structure, with its 33 joints, numerous muscles, nerves, and various ligaments, is far more complex than it appears.

Moreover, the constant pressure from the ground and body weight can cause discomfort to any foot area.

Corns and calluses are types of thickened skin that develop from excessive pressure and friction during movements like walking.

The body's weight is initially borne by the heel, then by the ball of the foot. Typically, the skin on the knee is thicker to endure ground pressure.

However, when pressure is excessive and the skin is repeatedly rubbed or irritated, it thickens and hardens. Corns and calluses can form on any body part, but they are most commonly found on the feet, hands, or fingers.

Define corns and calluses:

Let's define corns and calluses by their size, color, and texture:

• Calluses are areas of skin that become hard and tough due to pressure and friction, occurring on the feet, knees, or elbows.
• Calluses have a yellowish color and a lumpy texture.
• Calluses are large with blunt edges.
• Calluses typically form when the skin experiences continuous abrasion or frequent rubbing against objects like bones or ill-fitting shoes.

Here are a few facts about corns and calluses:

• Corns and calluses result from repeated friction or excessive pressure on the feet or toes during movement.
• The epidermis, or outer layer of skin, thickens, leading to the formation of conical calluses.
• Corns and calluses usually develop on the toes and feet, but they can also appear on the hands, elbows, and sides of fingers.
• Corns are smaller and commonly form on the sides of the toes.

What Causes Corns on Feet?

Skin serves as a protective cover, and the skin on our toes is no exception. It is designed to shield the area from friction and pressure from the ground. When the epidermal layer endures excessive friction and pressure during movement, it begins to thicken and harden.

This pressure and continuous friction lead to the death of skin cells and the formation of a hard layer to safeguard the affected area.

In essence, a protective interaction occurs between our body and the surface, preventing blisters and other skin damage.

Corn and Callus Formation:

Let's explain how and under what circumstances corns and calluses develop:

The primary cause of corn and callus formation is ill-fitting footwear. Wearing shoes for extended periods that do not fit properly can lead to two scenarios:

• Tight shoes can rub against the skin, creating friction.
• Shoes that are too loose can cause the foot to slide excessively inside, also resulting in pressure.

Women who frequently wear high heels are at greater risk of developing calluses on the balls of their feet due to increased pressure.

Symptoms of Corns and Calluses:

Corns and calluses are similar skin conditions that cause the skin to become hard and thick, sometimes leading to pain. The level of discomfort is influenced by the pressure and friction exerted on our feet. It's important to understand that corns and calluses are not the same before examining the symptoms. 

Clearing up this concept is essential for accurate identification. Recognizing the symptoms is crucial to determine whether a hard patch of skin is a corn, callus, or another condition like a wart.

Regardless of the condition, it typically begins with discomfort.

Having corns and calluses under the toes or feet can feel like walking on a rough surface or pebble.

For calluses, one might observe:

• A thickened patch of dead skin on any part of the body.
• Calluses commonly develop on the bottom of the foot or on the heel.

Corns have distinct features:

• A hard, raised bump that protrudes outward.
• A sensation of tenderness or pain in the affected area.
• The bump can cause pain or discomfort when moving.
• Symptoms may include redness, blisters, and pain in the affected area.

The symptoms are straightforward and align with the characteristics of a wart. To distinguish, let's examine the skin reactions and changes in each scenario.

If the hard patch is a wart, it will bleed when you scrape off some skin from the affected area.

A callus, when scraped off, does not bleed but reveals another layer of dry or dead skin.

Corns have a pointed center.

Neither corns nor calluses are contagious and are not caused by a viral infection.

Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Foot Corns:

1. Salicylic Acid:

Salicylic acid is a unique acid that dissolves the bonds between skin cells accumulated at the site of the corn and calluses, increasing moisture and breaking down the corn.

However, it's crucial to use a pumice stone to remove the dead skin layer first. Then, apply the acid solely to the infected region and rinse it off.

Method:

• Prepare a sufficient amount of salicylic acid, warm water, and a pumice stone.
• Initially, soak the affected area in warm water for five to ten minutes to soften it.
• Next, rub off the dry skin layer from the affected area with the pumice stone.
• Apply salicylic acid with a cotton swab to the area and leave it for a few minutes.
• Rinse the area with clean water.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar possesses antibacterial properties that soften corns and exfoliate dead skin layers.

Method:

• First, soak your feet in warm water, then apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area using a cotton ball.
• Hold the cotton ball on the corn for about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Allow the vinegar to dry, then apply two drops of tea tree oil to the corn.

3. Baking Soda:

A paste made from baking soda and water is considered an effective remedy for corns and calluses. Its antiseptic properties help prevent infection. Simply apply the paste to the affected area and leave it overnight.

Method:

• Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to create a smooth paste.
• Apply this paste to the corns and calluses and leave it on overnight.
• Optionally, add a few drops of lemon juice.

4. Garlic:

Garlic, a common kitchen ingredient, is also beneficial for treating corns and helps remove corn tissue. Use it with a crepe bandage.

• Rub garlic on the affected area and secure it with the bandage.

5. Turpentine Oil:

Use only rectified turpentine oil as a remedy. It enhances blood circulation and softens the skin.

• Rub ice cubes on the area first, then apply the oil for the best results.

6. Lemon:

Lemon is another effective home remedy due to its acidic properties, which help diminish and soothe corns. It can also reduce the size of the corn.

**Method:**

• Place a lemon slice on the affected area.
• Secure it with a bandage.
• Leave it overnight for optimal results.

**7. Onion:**

Onions can be very effective in treating foot corns. They contain antioxidants that inhibit the growth of corns and calluses and can also help fade skin scars.

**Method:**

• Apply an onion slice to the affected area.
• Wrap it in gauze.
• Leave it on overnight.

**8. Vitamin E:**

Vitamin E is renowned for addressing various skin and hair issues, including corns and calluses. Vitamin E oil softens and smooths dry, hardened skin.

The antioxidants in the oil expedite the healing of corns and calluses. It's crucial to keep the area well-moisturized, and vitamin E oil is excellent for this purpose.

**Method:**

• Extract the oil from one or two vitamin E capsules using a clean needle.
• Apply the oil to the corn or callus with cotton.
• Allow the oil to absorb for a few minutes, then cover with a soft cloth or cotton sock.
• Repeat this process before bedtime.

**9. Coconut oil:**

Coconut oil is an excellent skin moisturizer and can also aid in removing corns and calluses.

Method:

• Apply a small amount of coconut oil.
• Gently massage it into the affected area.
• Repeat this for several days to soften and hydrate the hard skin.

How to Prevent Corns and Calluses?

Prevention is better than cure, so it's important to follow techniques that prevent the growth of corns and calluses.

a) Wear Perfect Shoes:

Choose shoes that fit well and are cushioned; the same applies to socks. The best time to shop for shoes is in the afternoon when feet tend to be at their widest.

b) Take Care of Your Feet:

A daily healthcare routine is crucial to avoid skin problems, particularly corns and calluses. Follow these steps for hand and foot care:

• Dry your feet and hands before going to bed.
• After washing, dry your hands and feet thoroughly.
• Apply moisturizing lotion and foot massage cream before sleep.
• Use a pumice stone daily to remove dry skin.
• Do not overlook any pain or discomfort during movement, as foot pain can indicate various health issues, including corns and calluses.

We hope this information on eliminating foot corns and calluses has been informative and will prove beneficial for you. Home remedies can be quite effective with patient application. 

Most importantly, adhering to preventive measures against corns and calluses is essential for a healthier lifestyle.

Source: righthomeremedies.com