Removing Corns
Removing Corns and Blisters with Simple, Inexpensive Home Remedies
Removing corns is easy and special products are not necessary in most cases. Basic supplies likely to be in your medicine cabinet are all you need. Simply follow these instructions recommended by Kaiser Permanente, a reputable health care organization operating in 10 states in the US.
Soak feet in warm water 1 time a day, and rub corns with pumice stone. This can be found in any pharmacy and is inexpensive. You should use a new pumice stone because a used stone becomes too smooth to create the needed friction to eliminate the dead skin.
Continue to soak, and rub with pumice stone daily until corns fade away. If a corn is very thick, apply considerable pressure with pumice. If the corn is small, only apply enough pressure to remove the outer layer. If you feel pain while rubbing, you are rubbing too hard. Do not try to cut or burn off a corn.
Special Note: If you have peripheral vascular disease or diabetes, do not attempt to remove a corn. Contact your doctor for professional advice.
Removing corns may not be necessary if you prevent them altogether. Wear comfortable shoes. This is harder than it sounds. There is considerable pressure to be fashionable, or cool, for the younger crowd. Resist the pressure and select footwear objectively. Podiatrists advise you shop for shoes late in the day. Your feet swell after being walking on all day. Be sure to try on both shoes. Many people’s feet are not identical in size. Walk around in the store as long as you can, without driving the sales help crazy. Test to see if they hurt. If they hurt in the store, you’re certain to get corns and blisters.
To care for a small blister, cover loosely with a bandage. Then leave it alone. Do not wear shoes that caused the blister. If your blister is more than one inch across, it is advisable to drain it as follows.
Sterilize a small sewing needle with rubbing alcohol (available in most stores for about 1.00). Then puncture the blister near the edge and drain by pressing the fluid toward the opening.
Once you have drained the blister, or if it has torn, leave the skin flap in place. Wash the entire area in soap and warm water. Then apply antibiotic cream and cover securely with a bandage. Remove the bandage nightly to allow the area to dry, and be sure to keep it clean. Repeat this process daily until healed.
Corns and blisters do not lead to any serious health problems but left untreated can bring considerable pain. In some cases, lack of attention to the feet over the years can render one unable to walk. The cracks and dryness can become so severe that it’s almost impossible to get around. Although this won’t kill you, the sedentary lifestyle might. If removing corns at home is unsuccessful, see a podiatrist or general practitioner.