Corns and calluses can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but they are treatable and can be prevented by wearing appropriate shoes and caring for your feet properly. Understanding how corns are formed and how to prevent them is the best way to treat them. Not everyone gets corns on the bottom of their feet, but they are very common and nothing to be ashamed of.
What Causes Corns?
Although corns are considered a negative skin condition, they are actually the body’s way of protecting itself. When a sensitive area of skin undergoes a lot of rubbing and friction, the body will build up layers of skin over the top of it to protect the area. We believe that seed corns are caused by sweat glands that become plugged. Soft corns sometimes develop between the fourth and fifth toes and have much thinner protective layers. Corns are not usually a cause for concern unless you have diabetes or they complicate other foot conditions.
If your corns are hot, oozing, or painful, they may be infected or become infected. If you are worried about your corns, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your foot doctor to get them checked out.
Corns are often caused by shoes rubbing on a sensitive area. If you have bunions, hammertoes, or other foot conditions, you may be at an increased risk of developing corns.
How to Fix Corns on the Bottom of Your Feet
Corns can be annoying to get rid of, but they are treatable. Most of the time corns will go away if the source of the friction is removed (like by not wearing shoes that cause corns). If they are more stubborn and do not go away on their own, here are some things you can do to help remove them.
- Soak the corn in warm water for five to 10 minutes. You want the skin to be soft when you are finished.
- Carefully file down the corn with a pumice stone. Use warm water to wet the stone and then gently file the corn down. Take care not to remove too much skin or it could become infected.
- Use a moisturizing lotion or cream daily. Good lotions or creams should contain salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea, which can help soften hard corns.
- Use special pads to protect the area when walking or wearing shoes. This can help corns from getting worse.
- Wear shoes that fit properly. If you are not sure how to measure your feet for shoes, you can visit a shoe store and ask for help. Your podiatrist can also help you choose new shoes.
- Keep your toenails trimmed. Toenails should be cut straight across and just to the end of the toes. Toenails that are too short can cause ingrown toenails and nails that are too long can cause the nail to push the foot into unnatural positions and cause further damage.
How to Find a Foot Doctor for Corns on the Bottom of My Feet in New York City (NYC)
If you are located in the Queens, Manhattan, or Brooklyn areas, you can visit us at Best Foot Doctor for a consultation on how to treat your corns. Our staff will be able to help you understand how to treat or prevent your corns.