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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation, consult your doctor before attempting to treat corns and calluses on your own.
If you have no underlying health problems, these suggestions may help clear up corns and calluses:
- Use over-the-counter pads. Apply pads to protect areas where corns and calluses develop. Be careful using over-the-counter liquid corn removers or medicated corn pads. These contain salicylic acid, which can irritate healthy skin and lead to infection, especially in people with diabetes and poor circulation.
- Soak your hands or feet. Soaking your hands or feet in warm, soapy water softens corns and calluses. This can make it easier to remove the thickened skin.
- Thin your thickened skin. During or after bathing, rub corns or calluses with a pumice stone or washcloth to help remove a layer of toughened skin. Don't use a pumice stone if you have diabetes because your risk of infection is higher. Whether or not you have diabetes, don't cut or shave corns or calluses. Doing so could lead to an infection.
- Moisturize your skin. Apply moisturizer to hands and feet to help keep your skin soft.
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks. Stick to well-fitting, cushioned shoes until your corn or callus disappears. Also, choose socks made of a polyester-cotton blend because they wick moisture away better than all-cotton socks do. Additionally, wear socks that fit properly.
References
- DeLauro TM, et al. Corns and calluses. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Professional; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2960401. Accessed Feb. 22, 2009.
- Goldstein BG, et al. Benign neoplasms of the skin. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
- Corns. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00153. Accessed Feb. 22, 2009.
- Calluses and corns. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch113/ch113b.html. Accessed Feb. 22, 2009.
- Weller GG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 24, 2009.
