Got A Corn? Beware of Do-It-Yourself Products

Walk down the aisles of your local drugstore, and you’re bound to find tons of products for foot care. Among these products, you may find some do-it-yourself corn removers to get rid of those painful corns on your toes, maybe even in between the toes. These products may seem like an easy fix, but they can lead to a number of problems.

First of all, removing the corn does not fix the problem that is causing the corn. Corns are the result of the toe rubbing against the shoe in a very specific spot, and often hint at underlying biomechanical malfunctions. These malfunctions include hammer toes and mallet toes, ailments that will cause corns to come back again, even if the original is taken off. Treating the underlying biomechanical issues is sometimes the only way to reduce the irritation and friction that causes the hyperkeratosis, also known as a corn.

Products that promise to get rid of corns generally contain an acid that is applied to the area. This serves to soften the hardened skin on the area, and literally dissolve away the corn. What can be a great product to remove a hyperkeratosis can turn into a dangerous problem if the product is not used properly. The acid in the product is not specific to the corn, and can often damage the surrounding healthy tissue. If the acid burns too deep, it can open up the skin and make it more prone to infection. In some cases, the acid has even burned down to the bone.

The acid in the corn removing solution can also burn the skin, causing the corn to blacken. This is not only aesthetically unpleasant, but can lead to secondary infections and other problems as well.

The best way to treat a corn is to cover it with moleskin and wear looser fitting shoes. It is often a tight-fitting shoe that can cause additional friction, which leads to a hyperkeratosis, or a corn. A podiatrist can also evaluate the foot, and look for any underlying problems that may be causing the corns to form.

Over the counter corn removing products do have their place, though they come with warnings. If you use any of these products, be sure to read and follow all instructions thoroughly and carefully. If you have diabetes, you should have your feet checked regularly by a podiatrist, and never use products like this on your own.

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center
101 6th St Nw
Winter Haven, Fl 33881
Phone: (863) 299-4551
www.FLFootandAnkle.com