Use Corn Caps

Corns, also called helomas, are thickened skin that usually forms on the feet. The thickening is a natural way for the skin to protect itself, usually in the form of a conical, waxy protrusion on the feet, and occurs because of excessive pressure. Foot abnormalities, protuberant bones, ill-fitting footwear, and gait irregularities can lead to these oftentimes painful formations. The good news is, proper use of corn caps (i.e. corn plasters) provide a simple, safe, and effective means of removing the growths.

Steps

Correctly Applying the Corn Cap

1. Clean and dry the area surrounding the corn. Thoroughly washing and drying the area helps to ensure firm adhesion. Without a solid connection there is a chance the corn cap strip will slip out of place and lose effectiveness, or potentially come in contact with healthy skin.
2. Remove the corn cap from the backing. Just like a Band-aid, the adhesive section is pressed against a rubber backing that ensures nothing sticks to it before being applied. Discard the backing once it has been fully separated from the adhesive portion.
3. Place the circle directly over the corn. Press it down firmly, adhesive side facing the skin. The circle is medicated, most likely with salicylic acid, and erodes the corn’s accumulation of skin. The gel of the corn cap needs to penetrate the skin directly on the corn, and if possible, the edges as well, as there may be portions of the corn that have grown laterally along the skin.
   • Use separate adhesive strips on the edges to keep the corn cap in place.
   • If using the corn cap on a toe, wrap the adhesive portion all the way around the toe.
   • The spongy ring should alleviate some of the pain related to the corn touching or rubbing against shoes and other items.
4. Reapply corn caps as necessary. In general, the corn caps should be reapplied every two days. It is possible, however, for some corn plasters to be reapplied daily until the corn is removed, or for a maximum of two weeks, whichever comes first.
   • Apply the corn cap precisely as the instructions direct. Unnecessarily high absorption through the skin may occur if overused or improperly used.
5. Monitor for allergic reactions. Allergic reactions may include, but are not limited to skin redness, itchiness, or a rash. Soreness and discomfort, both mild and severe, are common. If the irritation persists or becomes severe, you may be experiencing some form of salicylic acid toxicity.
   • Severe reactions are rare, but anaphylaxis has been reported with use of salicylic acid.
6. Consult with a physician if corn caps are ineffective. You should consult with a general physician, podiatrist, or dermatologist if your corn is painful, recurrent and not responding to corn paint. They might order an X-ray of your feet to rule out underlying bony abnormality and refer to an orthopedics if needed.

Storing the Corn Caps

1. Keep out of reach of children. While the product is fairly benign when used properly, the salicylic can be dangerous in the hands of a child. Application to facial skin could result in a chemical burn, and ingestion could cause nausea, vomiting, and even problems with the ear.
2. Store at temperatures below 30˚C/86˚F. Storage above these temperatures will likely cause the product to lose some effectiveness. The adhesive on the ring will probably slip, and the salicylic acid will not be concentrated directly over the corn.
   • Also ensure the product is stored away from direct sunlight or severe humidity.
3. Refrain from using the product after the expiration date. Similar to heat-based degradation, age-based degradation will limit product efficacy. Aside from the adhesive inadequacy, the foam ring often included for comfort may lose its soft, spongy texture that protects against rubbing and helps alleviate some of the pain associated with corns.

Warnings

• People with severe circulatory disorders should seek medical advice.
• This is only for external use.
• Do not use if skin is broken.
• Corn caps should not be used by diabetics.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Pumice Your Feet
• Heal Dry Cracked Hands
• Shave Dead Skin off Feet
• Care for Your Feet and Toenails
• Remove Corns from Your Toes
• Remove a Stuck Ring
• Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Athlete's Foot
• Get Rid of Cracked Heels Fast
• Get Rid of Corns
• Treat Sweaty Hands

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