From the Guidelines
To treat a corn on the foot, debridement of the lesions using manual debridement or paring of hyperkeratosis is recommended, with the option of self-management using an emery board or nailfile, or professional debridement by a podiatrist if the area is too painful or thick 1. When treating a corn on the foot, it is essential to consider the most recent and highest quality evidence, which suggests that debridement is a crucial step in managing hyperkeratosis and corns. According to the study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2020 1, debridement can be performed using various methods, including manual debridement, paring of hyperkeratosis, or self-management using an emery board or nailfile. Some key points to consider when treating a corn on the foot include:
- Debridement should be performed carefully to avoid overdebridement, which can lead to increased blistering and tenderness, especially in patients with conditions like epidermolysis bullosa 1.
- After debridement, emollients and nonadherent dressings should be used to protect the debrided skin 1.
- Assessment and correction of weight distribution, with cushioning to reduce hyperkeratosis build-up, is also an essential aspect of treating corns on the foot 1.
- The use of specific assessment tools, such as pressure assessment platforms and FHSQ, can help evaluate the distribution of pressure on the skin leading to hyperkeratosis and guide management decisions 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Indications and Usage For debridement and promotion of normal healing of hyperkeratotic surface lesions, particularly where healing is retarded by local infection, necrotic tissue, fibrinous or purulent debris or eschar. Urea is useful for the treatment of hyperkeratotic conditions such as dry, rough skin, dermatitis, psoriasis, xerosis, ichthyosis, eczema, keratosis pilaris, keratosis palmaris, keratoderma, corns and calluses, as well as damaged, ingrown and devitalized nails.
- Urea (TOP) can be used to treat corns on the foot.
- The treatment is intended for debridement and promotion of normal healing of hyperkeratotic surface lesions.
- It is essential to follow the instructions and guidance of a healthcare professional when using urea (TOP) for the treatment of corns 2.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Corn on Foot
- Tangential excision together with topical cantharidin has been evaluated as a treatment for corn on the foot, with a success rate of 79.2% in one session 3.
- Salicylic acid plasters have been compared to 'usual' scalpel debridement of corns, with results showing that corn plasters are a cost-effective intervention with a higher proportion of resolved corns and prolonged time to corn recurrence 4.
- A study analyzing the long-term effectiveness of salicylic acid plasters compared to scalpel debridement found that treatment was not significantly related to time to corn recurrence, but corn type was related to resolution time, with dorsal/interdigital corns showing better resolution than plantar corns 5.
Topical Treatments
- A combination of urea and salicylic acid ointment has been used to treat nondystrophic nails, with successful painless nonsurgical avulsion achieved after a period of two weeks of occlusive application 6.
- A systematic review of topical treatments for plantar warts found that salicylic acid has a variable cure rate, while a cantharidin-podophyllin-salicylic acid formulation has a high cure rate of 97.82% 7.
Treatment Considerations
- The choice of treatment for corn on the foot may depend on the type and location of the corn, as well as the patient's individual needs and preferences.
- Topical treatments such as salicylic acid plasters and cantharidin-podophyllin-salicylic acid formulations may be effective options for treating corn on the foot, but further research is needed to fully evaluate their efficacy 3, 4, 7.