Anyone can get corns, they tend to form on the toes and under the soles of the feet if the area in question is exposed to pressure over a long period of time. In the first step, the horny layer thickens and a callus develops. If the pressure doesn’t release, it can develop into a painful corn. Specialists also refer to it as “clavus”. Here you will find tips on how to remove a corn and how to prevent new cornification of the skin.
A corn often causes pain if left untreated. Those affected feel it on their feet, especially when standing and walking. A rounded, wart-like cornification can then be seen, which is usually particularly sensitive to pain in the middle. The area in the middle is also called the thorn. The middle often looks a bit glassy, so the appearance is reminiscent of a bird’s eye – this is how the name corn is derived. It also stands out due to its raised shape and a yellowish, beige color of the cornea. However, when corns develop in the space between the toes, they often appear whitish and are softer than in other parts of the foot. This is due to the moisture that collects between the toes and causes the horny layer to swell. A rough distinction can be made between hard and soft corns. Hard corns tend to develop on the smaller toes, where ill-fitting shoes create friction and pressure. The soft form of corns, on the other hand, is more likely to form between the toes.
It is important that you eliminate the cause of the corn directly before the treatment. These are usually the wrong shoes that have been putting pressure on the affected area of skin for too long. This allows you to heal faster and avoid a relapse. In addition, you must not injure your skin, because those affected often try to remove the corn with knives or other sharp objects. It is absolutely not advisable to do this, because injured skin is always a possible entry point for germs and bacteria. In general, you should leave corns to a professional, because there are methods you can use to remove corns yourself only for corns in the initial stage. For diabetics and rheumatism patients, on the other hand, people with sensitive or porous skin should better consult a doctor if they have foot problems. Depending on the type, depth and extent of the corn, these recommendations therefore apply:
Practical corn plasters, which can be worn for several days, are ideal for treatment. However, it is best to start with a warm foot bath to soften the corn area a little. Then stick the corn plaster on the affected area of skin and let it work according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. The treatment is followed by a warm foot bath again to soften the skin. You can then try to carefully remove the corn. If the skin is still not soft enough and removal causes pain, repeat the treatment again. Corn plasters are sold over-the-counter in pharmacies, drugstores or on the Internet. The patches are soaked with keratolytics, which are horn-dissolving active ingredients such as salicylic acid, which soften the upper cornea of the corn.
Home remedies are considered to be particularly easy and gentle to use. What is important with all home remedies is that, similar to corn plasters, they only have an effect on small and flat corns.
If your corn is already too advanced and treatment with a corn patch is unsuccessful, you need to see a specialist to remove the corn. This can be a dermatologist or a medical pedicurist.
To prevent corns from developing, you should pay attention to the following three things:
Note: This article contains general information and cannot replace a visit to a doctor.
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