Corns and calluses can be painful and unsightly, but there are ways to get rid of these annoying problems naturally. Home remedies are cheaper and often more effective than treatments available from the pharmacy or store. Before you spend money on expensive store-bought treatments, try these natural remedies for corns and calluses.
3 natural remedies for corns and calluses
Castor oil
Castor oil is an old and simple remedy for treating corns, but it can also be used to treat calluses.
Dip a cotton wool ball in castor oil, gently squeezing out excess oil to prevent it from dripping. Press the cotton ball to the affected area and cover with a piece of gauze.
Use surgical tape to keep the cotton ball in place.
You will need to repeat the treatment three or four times a day, but corns will usually fall off within one to two weeks.
Aspirin
Aspirin and lemon juice make an effective combination for treating corns and calluses, as they help to loosen and soften thick skin.
Crush six aspirin tablets until you have a fine powder. Combine one teaspoon of the aspirin powder with one teaspoon of freshly-squeezed lemon juice, mixing together to form a paste.
Next, apply a thick layer of the paste to the corn or callus and use a piece of gauze or bandage to keep the treatment in place.
Leave the mixture on for up to 20 minutes. It should now be easy to remove the corn or callus with a pumice stone.
Epsom salts
Epsom salts are particularly effective for treating calluses, although it can take two to three weeks to fully remove the callus.
Make a foot bath by adding a cup of Epsom salts to a bowl of warm water.
Soak your feet for 10-20 minutes, as this will give the callus chance to soften.
Next, use a pumice stone to gently remove the top layers of the callus. Never scrub too hard with the pumice stone, as this can damage the skin surrounding the callus and sometimes leads to infection.
Repeat the treatment once or twice a day until the whole callus has been removed.
Summary
Choosing the right natural remedies for corns and calluses may require experimentation, as some are more difficult to remove than others.
Choosing the right footwear and taking good care of your feet will usually help to prevent further problems, but it’s important to consult a doctor if you experience persistent corns and calluses, as untreated foot problems can lead to infections.