Corns and calluses signify the thickening of the outer layer of the skin. Corns usually develop as a natural defense mechanism to excessive pressure, rubbing and other types of irritation. Corns and calluses usually develop on the soles given that the feet are subject to excessive pressure and rubbing due to physical movement, weight, friction and strain. A corn is a natural pad that acts as a protective shield against injury. The corn comprises of a thick outer layer and a hard kernel in the centre. Corns can be painful as pressure on such points directly presses the nerves below. To eliminate corn as a foot problem it is important to study the factors that may have caused it. Foot wear, body weight and physical activity are key factors that can cause corns. Foot structure or gait that causes undue pressure on certain parts of the feet can also cause corns. Key symptoms associated with corns are pain, difficulty in walking and an itchy sensation. The corn affected area also tends to get discolored. Choose your foot wear carefully if your feet are prone to corns. Avoid wearing shoes with narrow toes. Also avoid wearing tight fitting shoes. Wear comfortable and airy shoes to avoid putting pressure on any specific part of the soles.
Corns can be treated with the help of diluted chamomile tea. Soak your feet in diluted chamomile tea to soothe and soften the thickened skin. Soaking your feet in warm water with a few drops of essential oils can also help ease pain and discomfort. Essential oils such as witch hazel, wintergreen and black walnut tincture can be added to the water. Scrubbing with a pumice stone can also help reduce the thickened outer layers. Regular application of lemon or pineapple juice soaked in a cotton pad can be used as a bandage over night. This remedy is likely to dissolve the corn after regular use. Keeping a slice of lemon bandaged to the corn overnight can also prove equally beneficial. Rubbing warm oils over the affected areas can also help nourish the dry skin and cause the hardened skin to soften. Rubbing licorice on corns can also help remove them. Three to four sticks of licorice mixed with half a teaspoon of mustard or sesame oil rubbed into the skin can help soften and remove corns. Raw papaya has a wide variety of essential vitamins; applying raw papaya juice over the corn can soften the skin and help ease the corn off the soles. Similarly, the juice of green figs can also be applied on the hardened skin to soften the skin and then slowly slough off the extra skin that forms the corn. Another popular remedy is mixing chalk powder with water. This mixture can then be applied on the skin to remove corns.