Foot Corns
Foot corns are a thickened area of skin that is located on the top of side of a toe. There are two types: hard corns and soft corns. Hard corns are compact lumps that have a very thick core. They are usually found on the top of the toes, on the outside of the little toe or on the sole of the foot. A soft corn is a small inflammation with a smooth center. They usually occur between the toes. Seed corns happen only on the heel or ball of the foot. They are a circle of stiff skin that surrounds a tiny plug of cholesterol.
Symptoms
The symptoms of foot corns include a variation of texture that may include dry, waxy and transparent to what feels like a horny mass. Another symptom is a distinct border to the corn. The corn may be hard or soft, and is usually painful.
Causes
Corns are most often caused by improperly fitting shoes. Wearing shoes that are too tight cause friction that creates corns.
Cautions
See your doctor if foot corns become very painful, or if you develop numbness or reduced sensation in your feet. Loss of sensation may be a sign of diabetes. If you are already diagnosed as diabetic, you should see your doctor whenever a corn develops.
Herbal Treatments
External Applications
- Lemon – apply strips of lemon peel to the corns. Keep the peels in place with a bandage. After a few days, the corn will disappear.
- Pineapple – cut strips of peel from a ripe pineapple and place on top of corns. Bandage it in place and in about a week the corns will be gone. The enzymes in pineapple work to dissolve the tough skin of corns.
- Papaya – use the juice of the fruit and apply it with a cotton pad. Bind the pad in place and leave overnight. Repeat as needed until the corn is gone. The pulp can also be used.
- Dandelion – apply the sap from dandelions to the corn every day until it is gone. This may take a week or two.
- Calendula – a cream can be applied to corns to soften them. Calendula moisturizes and prevents cracking of the skin.
- Fig – apply the juice of green figs to relieve corns.
- Chamomile – soak your feet in diluted chamomile tea. This will not only soothe the pain, but it changes the pH of the skin temporarily. The tea may stain your feet, but it is easily washed away with soap and water.
- Castor – use castor oil on a cloth and apply to the corn as a hot poultice. Wrap with plastic and leave in place. Replace as needed.
- Celandine – apply the tincture externally. It is antibacterial, so it will prevent infection and it relieves pain. Use 2 to 3 droppers full.
- Plantain – this soothing herb can also relieve the pain of corns. Apply plantain oil or crushed leaves to the corn as needed.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils may help soften corns by using in massage. Use a blend of eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and tea tree oils in a carrier oil.