Corns

Corns are a common foot problem that usually occurs as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes for a prolonged time. When your shoes are uncomfortable and tight, they rub and press over certain areas of your foot. The skin there is prone to become hard and thick.

Sometimes, the affected area becomes very painful and infection may set in due to repeated irritation. In this case surgical removal of the corn is an effective option. However, surgery is a last option in these cases, because early treatment of corns is adequate to control them and even remove them. Natural remedies for corns are both effective and safe.

I have listed below some important guidelines on corn care, along with natural remedies to treat and heal corns completely and effectively.

No more ill-fitting shoes - The first and foremost step in the treatment of corns is to swear off ill-fitting footwear. Take pity on your feet and fling all those unnecessary and inefficient pairs of footwear from your closet - all the shoes that make your feet hurt when you wear them. Instead, shop for comfortable and elegant shoes that take the strain off your feet. Shop for comfort, not just style. Your shoes should have wide toe area wide enough that you can wiggle your toes freely.

Regular scrubbing - A wonderful way to take care of corns is to use a pumice stone to scrub off dead skin from your feet every day. Take care not to scrub too vigorously, to avoid damage to the living cells of the skin, resulting in a painful sore. You would probably find it easier to first soak your feet in warm water for some time. The dead skin absorbs water and softens, and it will be much easier to scrub it off gently.

Moisturize regularly - Once your feet are clean and dry, moisturize them with a good moisturizer.. This will ensure the corn doesn't dry, and the affected area heals faster. Castor oil is another excellent remedy for corns, as it penetrates into the deeper skin layers, softening them and making exfoliation a breeze.

Soda mix - Try applying a paste of baking soda, water and lime juice over your corns at bedtime for a week. This is another very effective way to remove corns.

Chamomile Tea - Chamomile tea is also very helpful in healing corns. Mix some diluted chamomile tea in a tub of hot water and indulge yourself in a thirty-minute hot water foot soak. This amazing herb is excellent at both healing the sore corns as well as soothing your feet.

Kitchen Vinegar - Vinegar is another home-based ingredient that helps to soften corns. Place a cotton swab soaked in vinegar over the corn overnight. In the morning, just scrub the area gently with pumice stone and wash. Pat your feet dry and apply a good moisturizer.

Papaya - Papaya is another incredibly effective antiseptic and healing herb. It is usually mashed and applied over the corn overnight, to cure it. This fruit can heal the corn, soothe the pain in no time and debride the thickened skin, to leave the area smooth without a spot.