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What is a Corn Remover?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Corn removers are medications that are used to treat corns, warts, and calluses on the feet. Many products for removing corns are available as over the counter products, although there are a few treatments for foot corns that require a prescription. A typical corn remover will be in the form of a medicated pad that is adhered to the corn, or a cream that is rubbed into the corn and the surround skin.

One of the more common ingredients in various corn remover products is known as salicylate. Both the creams and the pads use a topical version of this compound. When used as directed, the salicylate will cause the corn to swell and begin to soften somewhat. Repeated applications will allow the corn to begin sloughing off in layers until the corn is completely removed from the surface of the skin.

As diabeteics have an increased risk of infection in the feet, they should consult a doctor prior to removing corns.
As diabeteics have an increased risk of infection in the feet, they should consult a doctor prior to removing corns.

Depending on the size and general condition of the corn, it may be necessary to use the corn remover for an extended period of time before seeing results. However, if the corn is treated in the early stages, the condition may be completely cleared up in a matter of days. It is not unusual for corn removers to advise users to discontinue applications of the product if no discernible change has taken place within three days.

Corns that are treated in the early stages may clear up in a matter of days.
Corns that are treated in the early stages may clear up in a matter of days.

While most corn remover products are safe for anyone to use, there are some exceptions. Many products formulated for removing corns recommend consulting a physician before using the product on a child under the age of twelve. Adults who have poor circulation in the feet are also advised to speak with a doctor before using any corn remover. People with diabetes are usually cautioned to avoid over the counter removers and to seek the help of a doctor to deal with the corns.

Corner remover treatments can sometimes remove plantar warts, which tend to grow on the balls of the feet.
Corner remover treatments can sometimes remove plantar warts, which tend to grow on the balls of the feet.

There is also the possibility that the topical ingredients of the corn remover will have an adverse interaction with various types of prescription medications. This can be especially true with any drugs that are formulated as anticoagulant agents. Even over the counter medications such as aspirin could have a negative interaction with corn remover products. For this reason, it is a good idea to check with a physician if you are currently on any type of medication.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

LittleMan

@galen84basc -- Sorry to hear about that. Removing a corn is not terribly difficult at home but there are a few things that you should know.

First, before you start, you need to figure out what is causing the corn. Corns can be caused by wearing too tight shoes, wearing high heels, or even just by an oddly shaped foot. You need to figure out what is causing the corn before you treat it or you'll just be doing the same thing a month later.

Once you know what the problem is, then you can start to treat it. You said you want to use salicylic acid pads because nothing else has worked, right?

So choose your pads -- I personally like Dr. Scholl corn remover pads, but any will do, as long as there's a 40 percent salicylic acid content in the pads. If you're using salicylic acid mixed with collodium, then you need about a 17 percent concentration.

Then, wash and dry the affected foot with warm, not hot, water. Place the pad or liquid over the area, then wash it off, again with warm water.

After that, put a salicylic ointment with anywhere from a 5 to 10 percent concentration on the area and cover it with a band-aid.

You can do this once or twice a week until the corn comes off easily.

Just to let you know, if that doesn't work, then don't try to use one of those razor foot corn removers -- that's a really easy way to give yourself a foot infection.

If the pads or mixture doesn't work, I'd say you might need to see a podiatrist -- they'll be able to sort you out.

Best of luck!

galen84basc

What are the best tips for foot corn removal? How should I perform a foot corn removal at home? I have this really hard corn, no remover has worked on it so far, so now I'm trying a salicylic acid corn remover.

Can you tell me how I should do that, or if there are any precautions that I should take?

Charlie89

Can I remove a callus with a corn remover pad? Since a corn is somewhat like a callus, won't the acid do the same thing to dissolve the excess skin of the callus, just like it would dissolve the corn?

Or is there a reason that they sometimes sell corn and callus remover separately? Will it do any damage to my foot if I remove a callus with a corn remover?

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    • As diabeteics have an increased risk of infection in the feet, they should consult a doctor prior to removing corns.
      By: Mercedes Fittipaldi
      As diabeteics have an increased risk of infection in the feet, they should consult a doctor prior to removing corns.
    • Corns that are treated in the early stages may clear up in a matter of days.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Corns that are treated in the early stages may clear up in a matter of days.
    • Corner remover treatments can sometimes remove plantar warts, which tend to grow on the balls of the feet.
      By: Arve Bettum
      Corner remover treatments can sometimes remove plantar warts, which tend to grow on the balls of the feet.
    • Anti-coagulants like aspirin can have a negative interaction with corn removers.
      By: blueskies9
      Anti-coagulants like aspirin can have a negative interaction with corn removers.
    • A corn remover may come in the form of a cream that's rubbed into the corn and the surrounding skin.
      By: adam88xx
      A corn remover may come in the form of a cream that's rubbed into the corn and the surrounding skin.
    • Wearing ill-fitting shoes may cause corns to develop on the feet.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Wearing ill-fitting shoes may cause corns to develop on the feet.