From the Guidelines
To remove a corn from your foot, it is recommended to start with over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid products, and if the corn is painful or doesn't improve with home treatment after two weeks, see a podiatrist who can safely remove it using sterile instruments, as supported by the most recent evidence 1. When considering the removal of a corn, it's essential to prioritize methods that minimize the risk of further irritation or infection. The use of salicylic acid products, such as Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers or Compound W Corn Remover, applied directly to the corn following package instructions, is a common initial approach. Before application, soaking the foot in warm water for 5-10 minutes and gently filing the corn with a pumice stone or emery board can help remove dead skin and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
Some key points to consider when removing a corn include:
- Soaking the affected area in warm water with Epsom salt for 10 minutes daily, followed by gentle exfoliation, as a natural approach to soften the corn.
- Wearing proper footwear with adequate room for the toes and using protective padding like moleskin or corn pads to prevent pressure on the corn while it heals.
- Addressing the underlying cause of the corn, such as repeated friction or pressure, by changing footwear or using orthotic inserts, is crucial for preventing recurrence.
It's also important to note that if the corn is painful or doesn't improve with home treatment after two weeks, consulting a podiatrist is advisable. A podiatrist can safely remove the corn using sterile instruments, reducing the risk of infection or further complications, as highlighted in the guidelines for foot care in specific conditions 1. Additionally, recent guidelines on the prevention of foot ulcers in persons with diabetes emphasize the importance of proper foot care, including the management of corns and calluses, to prevent foot ulcers 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The preferable method of use is to apply Salicylic Acid 6% thoroughly to the affected area and to cover the treated area at night after washing and before retiring. To remove a corn from the foot, apply Salicylic Acid 6% to the affected area, hydrate the skin for at least five minutes prior to application, and cover the treated area at night.
- Apply the medication at night
- Wash it off in the morning
- If necessary, apply a bland cream or lotion to reduce drying and/or irritation 2
From the Research
Methods for Removing a Corn from the Foot
- Cryosurgery or cryotherapy can be considered as a treatment option for common skin lesions, including plantar warts which are similar to corns in some aspects 3
- The study suggests that for plantar warts, two freeze-thaw cycles and paring before freezing can improve the cure rate 3
- Weekly cryotherapy may produce more rapid cures, but the overall cure rate depends on the number of treatments 3
- It is essential to note that while cryosurgery is effective for various skin lesions, the evidence for its use in removing corns specifically is not directly addressed in the provided study 3
- However, given the similarity between plantar warts and corns, the principles of cryosurgery might be applicable, but this would require further investigation to confirm its effectiveness for corn removal 3