Local thickening of skin
A corn refers to a localized thickening of the skin, especially on
the toes, and extending into subcutaneous tissue. A corn is
usually small and painful.
Foot sole toe Corns are usually found over the joints of the toes and on the
soles of the feet They are shaped like a pyramid with the apex
pointing inwards. They are tender when touched. Sometimes painful
and infective warts that occur on the soles of the feet are
mistaken for corns.
Footwear
Corns are usually formed as a
result of pressure on the toes and skin surfaces of the feet
through incorrect footwear.
Remedies
Liquorices: Liquorices is one of the most valuable
remedies for corns that are just appearing. A paste made by
grinding three or four liquorices sticks and mixing it with half a
teaspoon of sesame oil or mustard oil should be rubbed into the
hardened skin at bedtime. The skin gradually softens and the corn
decreases in size.`
Lemon: Lemon is another valuable remedy for corns.
A fresh slice of lemon should be tied over the painful area at
night and allowed to remain there the whole night.
Papaya: Raw papaya is beneficial in the treatment
of corns. Its juice is an irritant and it is, therefore, a useful
application in this condition. Half a teaspoon of raw papaya juice
may be applied thrice daily.
Bandages The herb Indian squill, botanically known
as Urginea indica, is useful in removing corns. A bulb may be
roasted and applied over the corn. It should be secured with a
bandage. This application may be made at night and removed in the
morning.
Fruit: The milky juice of green figs is valuable
for corns of long duration. It helps to soften them. Half a
teaspoon of this juice may be extracted from the fruit and applied
two or three times daily.
Chalk Powder: Chalk powder has also been found beneficial
in the treatment of corns. A small piece of chalk may be ground
into a paste with water and applied over the affected area.
Vitamins and Minerals
A light nutritious diet containing vitamins and minerals in the
form of fruits and vegetables is recommended.
Other Measures
For proper treatment of a corn, it
is essential to first Stop wearing the shoes that caused it. In
most cases the corn will disappear when the pressure is removed.
Medicinal corn-removing plasters, known as corn-caps, are easily
available with chemists. They are found to be effective.
For soft corns, which usually occur
between the toes, the feet should be washed daily. This should be
followed by the application of a mild talcum powder.