Home Remedies and Prevention for Corns Elimination
Corns - hard bumps that develop on the skin, usually on the feet - can be a nuisance for many people. While they are often harmless, they can cause discomfort and pain, especially when they are large or sensitive. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to safely file down corns at home.
1. **Softening the Corn** To start, soak your feet in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften the hardened skin. Adding Epsom salts can help soften the corn further and soothe the area. Applying moisturizing creams, such as coconut oil or urea-based creams, can also soften the corn over time.
2. **Using the Proper Tool** Use a natural pumice stone or a corn softening pad designed for gentle exfoliation. Avoid using sharp instruments or metal files, which can injure the skin.
3. **Gently Filing the Corn** With the skin softened, gently rub the pumice stone or file over the corn in a circular motion. Do this gradually and lightly, removing small layers at a time to avoid damaging the surrounding healthy skin.
4. **Keeping the Area Moisturized** After filing, apply a moisturizing cream such as one containing urea or Vaseline to keep the skin soft and prevent cracking or irritation.
5. **Preventing Irritation and Infection** - Avoid excessive filing or digging into the corn, as this can cause pain, bleeding, or infection. - Do not file dry or hard corns without soaking first, to prevent skin damage. - Keep your feet clean and dry after treatment. - Use cotton or non-binding bandages if needed to protect the corn area.
6. **Additional Natural Remedies (Optional)** Some natural remedies like an overnight compress of glycerin and apple cider vinegar may help soften and eventually reduce corns if used consistently over time.
**Key Tips:** - Be patient; corns take time to soften and reduce. - Never force a file or cut into the corn. - If pain, redness, or swelling develops, seek professional care. - Consider wearing well-fitting shoes to reduce pressure and prevent new corns.
By following these careful filing steps and maintaining good foot care, you can safely manage corns at home and prevent irritation or further issues. It's important to remember that if the corn is pressing a nerve, doctors may surgically remove the core of it to reduce the pressure. Also, high levels of salicylic acid in some products can cause irritation or burning on the skin, and using them should be discontinued if these signs appear.
A study found that using salicylic acid products for corns led to more resolved corns, less pain, and reduced corn size compared to simply shaving the corn away. Corns are layers of dead skin that form in response to pressure and friction, often from shoes. Friction from shoes causes the skin in the area to harden over time. People with sensitive skin or circulation issues should consult a doctor before using salicylic acid. Topical products containing salicylic acid, urea, silver nitrate, or hydrocolloid can help break down skin cells.
To enhance foot-care regimens, incorporate health-and-wellness products like urea-based creams for daily foot moisturization, particularly to soften corns. For a well-rounded skin-care routine, consider adding a urea-based cream or a moisturizer with glycerin for optimal skin hydration at home, ensuring healthy skin all over.
