PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Corn & Callus Relief

Rubbing you the wrong way

Although it seems like corns and calluses appear out of nowhere, these overgrowths of the skin's rough outer layer are an indication that your feet are being exposed to constant friction. Repeated friction or enduring pressure can cause the contact points (most frequently feet, hands, elbows, and knees) to rebel in defense with extremely painful results. Not to worry: corns and calluses often respond well to nonprescription medications. Once you've removed them, don't forget to wear comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you.

Hard Facts About Corns and Calluses

Corns occur most often just over a toe bone, where they incur painful pressure from both above and below. They tend to have a well-defined core.

O-Corn: a hard, thick overgrowth of skin surrounding a softer center.
Hard corn: a raised, yellowish-gray spot that is widest on the skin's surface, tapering inward where it applies a funnel of pressure onto underlying nerve endings.
Soft corn: a whitish thickening of skin on the webbing between the toes. Soft corns tend to stay that way due to their moist, sweaty environment.

Calluses generally occur on the sole of the foot. They are patches of hard, thickened skin that -- unlike corns -- have no central core. They tend to be yellow in color, with the skin's normal ridge pattern continuing across their surface.

Corns and calluses can be persistent. If you treat the symptom without addressing the cause, chances are they'll come back to haunt you. Make sure all your shoes and stockings fit well, don't bind, and distribute body weight evenly. Then proceed with your plan of attack.

Removing the Tough Skin

Salicylic acid in many forms is the main nonprescription drug used to treat corns and calluses. It comes in colloidal solutions, salves, plasters, and pads.
The primary action of salicylic acid is to eat away skin. Since it acts on normal skin as well as the dead skin of corns and calluses, care must be taken when applying it.
It is often helpful to soak the foot in water for 15 to 30 minutes before applying salicylic acid.
Continue treatment for about two weeks to completely remove the corn or callus. If there is no improvement after this time, consult a doctor.

Keratolytic agents

Also called exfoliants, these remove the hardened outer layer of the skin by loosening the cells and increasing the moisture in the skin.

Ingredient		Description
Keratolytic Agents
Salicylic acid	?	The only product FDA-approved for the removal of corns and calluses. Do not use products containing salicylic acid if you are diabetic or have poor blood circulation.

FDA-Approved Uses

Salicylic acid

For the removal of corns and calluses

Relieves pain by removing corns and calluses

Before Applying the Acid

Thoroughly wash and dry the affected area before applying any products. Soak your foot in warm water for five minutes beforehand to assist in removal.
Try to remove loosened dead skin gently using a rough towel, callus file, or pumice stone.

Ways to Apply It

Collodions: solutions that dry quickly when applied, leaving a thin film of the active ingredient in contact with the skin. A collodion contains a compound that, when dried, forms a barrier that prevents the salicylic acid from being rubbed or removed from the skin. Peel away and reapply the collodion every two to three days, for up to 14 days or until the corn or callus is removed.
Medicated plaster: a topical medication administered via a piece of fabric kept in direct contact with the skin by adhesives. Plasters are available in precut sizes appropriate for covering a corn or callus. Apply and remove within 48 hours, with a maximum of five treatments over a two-week period.
When using either method, avoid getting salicylic acid on unhardened, uncallused skin. It may cause irritation and damage.