If you’ve ever experienced an unpleasant and rough feeling on your skin, chances are, they could be corns or calluses.
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Corns and Calluses – What are they?
Corns and calluses are skin conditions that are often annoying and painful. They commonly appear at specific areas on our hands as well as feet. They are characterized as hardened and thick skin layers that develop as our skin tries protecting itself against pressure and friction.
Calluses are described as flattened but rigid and scaly layers of thick skin that develop under the soles or balls of the feet, hands or palms and even knees.
On the other hand, corns are described as dry, raised, thick pieces of skin that appear in a conical or circular shaped. They are medically termed as hyperkeratosis.
Although they are not particularly a life-threatening condition, it can become a nuisance and often become worse over time if they are not taken care of immediately.
What causes them?
When a particular area of our skin is in constant contact of friction and pressure, it thickens as a means of defense against injury.
Usually, wearing footwear that is too tight or too short for an extended period can potentially create friction on the skin and eventually cause corns or calluses.
Handling certain tools, constant playing of instruments like guitars, or using heavy hand equipment can also cause corns especially on the skin of the hands and fingers.
Moreover, abnormal movement or gait can also cause an increase in pressure in certain areas of the skin. Individuals with diabetes that involve poor blood flow are also at risk of developing corns and calluses as well.
What are the risk factors of corns and calluses?
When this skin condition is not treated immediately, it not only becomes worse but also increases certain risk factors including:
- Hammertoe – This is a deformity that makes your toes appear curled similar to a claw
- Bunions – These are unusual bumps that appear at the big toe which are bony and painful
- Other deformities
How to prevent corns and calluses?
To lessen the chances of developing this skin deformity or condition, it is important that you:
- Use footwear that allows your feet and toes to have enough space to move
- Wear protective gloves or coverings for your hands when handling specific tools constantly and socks for your feet when wearing closed shoes
- Get yourself pads and place them on areas that are already prone and affected
ZenToes Soft Foam Callus Cushions Round Waterproof Pads Toe and Foot Protectors (48 Count)
Features
- Real Pain Relief – Relieve painful corns, calluses, rubbing and chafing with foot callus cushions that help make it easier to walk, jog, move and stay on the go.
- Premium, Breathable Comfort – Made with a premium foam, these soft foot callus cushions cover hard skin to reduce shoe pressure and friction. These callus pads are approximately 1.4" x 1.4" with an interior hole measuring 0.625".
- Self-Stick Adhesive – Great for all day comfort and support, the self-sticking, waterproof adhesive keeps your callus cushions in place all day long.
- Ultra-Thin Fabric –Each callus cushion pad is made with soft foam that won’t keep you from wearing socks or your favorite pair of shoes.
- Multipurpose Foot Support – These foam callus cushions can be used daily for work, running errands, standing on your feet at home, or even fitness.
How to treat corns and calluses naturally?
Seeking a doctor is when the condition has become rather bothersome is a good idea to have it treated the soonest time possible. However, there are natural remedies you can find at home that are also ideal for treating corns and calluses. Below are the top seven:
Onions
Onions contain antioxidants that can boost the skin’s healing of annoying corns and calluses. To remove these skin anomalies, you need to slice a piece of onion and place it directly on the corn. Secure the piece of onion with gauze and leave it on overnight. It is best to do this every day to get the results within a week.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is rich in antioxidants as well as exfoliation properties which can help soften and then peel off dead skin cells. Not only that, but it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties which can protect the skin from bacteria and germs that lurk around the areas that are affected.
To effectively remove corns, just soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and apply directly to affected area. Keep it on the corn for five minutes until the vinegar is dry. You can then apply some tea tree oil after without rinsing to remove the odor.
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Lemon
Lemons contain enough acid to help lessen the discomfort of corns on the skin. Moreover, using lemons as a natural remedy for corns can also help shrink the appearance of corn in a matter of days.
To help eliminate corns on the skin, just place a slice of lemon on the affected area and fasten it with a bandage. Leave the lemon on until the next day and continue until the corn has diminished.
Baking soda
The element in baking soda helps in effectively exfoliating our skin to remove dead cells causing corns and calluses. Moreover, baking soda is also antiseptic and can help protect the area from germs and bacteria.
To remove the skin problem, just create a baking soda paste using water and lime juice. Apply the paste on the callus or corn and leave it on until the next day. Follow this remedy for about five days to a week to make the corn dry and flaky, so it’s easier to peel off.
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, 16 Oz ,Pack of 2
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Pineapple
Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that can help dissolve calluses or corns while minimizing the discomfort and speed up the skin’s healing.
To remove the corns and calluses, just slice a piece of pineapple and place it on the affected area. Secure it with a bandage and keep it overnight. Continue this remedy every night for a week until you notice the corn slowly disappear.
Coconut Oil
This is another natural remedy that is helpful when it comes to moisturizing and softening the skin.
To remove the callus or corns on the skin, simply apply it to the areas that are affected and gently massage the skin as well. Apply the oil at least three times a day and rub with a pumice stone to leave the skin soft and supple.
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 Ounce
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Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the top remedies when it comes to skin problems. It is great for exfoliation and is significantly calming for the skin.
To remove the annoying corns and calluses, just boil a half cup of organic oatmeal in water for a few minutes. Make sure that the boiled oatmeal is not too hot or it may burn your skin. Strain the boiled oatmeal and apply it directly on the corn. Leave the application for about fifteen minutes and then rinse off. Do this two times a day until the corn and callus have significantly dissipated.
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