Corns (cont.)
How can corns and calluses be prevented?
In many situations, calluses and corns can be prevented by reducing or
eliminating the circumstances that lead to increased pressure at specific points
on the hands and feet. Potential preventive measures therefore include
- wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes
is useful. The idea is to avoid having footgear press on the
outside of the fifth toe or pressing the fourth and fifth toes together to prevent corns in
these areas; and
- another approach is to pad the potentially affected
area. Many sorts of padding are available at the drugstore:
- cushions to put between the toes;
- foam or moleskin pads to put over the places where
corns form;
- foam
pads with holes in the center (like donuts or bagels), which redistribute
pressure around the corn instead of
right over it;
and
- cushioned insoles to pad your feet and alleviate
mechanical
pressure.
How can corns and calluses be treated?
Corns and calluses can be treated with many types of medicated products to chemically pare down the thickened, dead skin. These products are share the same active ingredient -- salicylic acid, the ingredient used in over-the-counter wart-removal products.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic, which means it dissolves the protein (keratin) that makes up most of both your corn and the thick layer of dead skin which often tops it. Used as indicated on the package directions, these products are gentle and safe for most people. Salicylic-acid
treatments are available in different forms including
- applicators,
- drops,
- pads, and
- plasters.
All of these treatments will turn the top of the skin white and allow you to trim or peel away dead tissue, making the corn protrude and hurt less.
It generally is recommended that salicylic acid not be used by people with diabetes or when there is frail skin or poor circulation (because of concern about how normally the skin can heal). In these situations, application of
salicylic acid can potentially lead to ulcer formation on the skin. Your health-care practitioner can help you determine whether
salicylic acid-based products are safe for use on your skin.
You should not attempt to cut or shave away corns and calluses at home. This can lead to potentially dangerous infection of the surrounding tissues. This should be performed by a podiatrist or other health-care practitioner.
Your health-care practitioner may also prescribe antibiotics for any corns or calluses that have become infected.
Next: When should you seek professional treatment for corns and calluses? »
- Over-The-Counter Products -
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
- salicylic acid or salicylic acid combinations--topical (LIQ,SOLN) - Consumer information about the medication SALICYLIC ACID OR SALICYLIC ACID COMBINATIONS - TOPICAL (LIQ,SOLN) , includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug SALICYLIC ACID OR SALICYLIC ACID COMBINATIONS - TOPICAL (LIQ,SOLN).
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