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Calluses – many people face this problem due to uncomfortable shoes and a heavy load on the legs. Especially often women suffer from dry corns. In the wardrobe of most of them, there are necessarily shoes with heels and stilettos. Incorrect weight distribution in such shoes leads to the formation of corns. The cause of dry calluses can also be various diseases of the internal organs and body systems. In this case, they should be treated. Getting rid of corns will only be a temporary solution to the problem. Soon they may appear in the same place again. Flat feet also lead to the formation of dry calluses.
Do not hope that such a disease as corns will pass by itself. Constant loads on the feet will only contribute to its development. In the early stages, you can get rid of corns at home. However, this does not apply to running corns with a rod. Independent struggle with them leads to inflammation. The procedure for removing corns with a rod should be carried out under sterile conditions to avoid introducing infections into an open wound. You need to go to the clinic. And the sooner this happens, the better.
Keratolytic agents: features, composition
Modern medicine offers a large number of ways to solve the problem of corns. You can treat yourself with the use of keratolic agents. Before using them, you need to make a foot bath.
You can add to it:
sea salt;
crushed laundry soap, soda and chamomile infusion;
10 ml of ammonia;
infusion of birch leaves and soda;
several aspirin tablets;
table salt;
decoction of oat straw;
iodine.
Instead of ordinary water, pure herbal decoctions made from nettle, mint, and thyme can be used. They work well on corns, have a disinfecting effect and help damaged skin recover. In a warm bath with water or decoction, the legs are kept for at least half an hour. After corns, they are carefully treated with pumice stone or special preparations are used.
What is a keratolytic agent?
You can buy keratolytic agents at any pharmacy. A doctor’s prescription is not required. The range of keratolytic agents is large. Stopping at one is not easy. Very often, a drug that is effective for one person does not help another person at all. Therefore, you can try several different means and choose the right one.
Salicylic acid is usually included in the composition of keratolytic agents. It has an antiseptic effect and helps to remove the stratum corneum of the epidermis. A corn is a collection of dead cells. This is a protective reaction of the skin to mechanical pressure. Salicylic acid softens such formations. After that, dead skin cells are easy to remove.
Along with salicylic acid, keratolytic agents may include components such as lanolin, petroleum jelly and extracts of various herbs. They also have a softening effect.
It is worth noting that keratolytic agents in the form of ointments and creams are applied strictly to the site of the corn. Do not touch areas of healthy skin. Also, contact with the mucous membrane should be avoided. It is recommended to treat the sore spot with gloves. If the cream gets on the skin of the hands, immediately wash them with soap and water.
The most effective keratolytic agents:
You can buy these drugs at any pharmacy. They have many advantages over other remedies for corns.
Advantages of ointments and creams:
natural ingredients in the composition of funds;
good result in a short time;
self-treatment;
low price.
Disadvantages:
it is necessary to protect healthy skin around the corns in order to avoid wounds and burns;
allergic reactions with individual intolerance to the components;
don’t forget to use the cream regularly.
Among the most effective keratolytic agents are the following:
“Super Antimosolin”
This cream is based on urea and lactic acid. They moisturize the skin well, the corns soften and are easily removed with a spatula. “Super antimozolin” relieves not only of dry calluses, but also of an unpleasant smell. Due to the natural ingredients, the cream has a pleasant aroma of fresh herbs.
“Benzalitin”
The ointment contains salicylic and benzoic acids. It should be treated with corns at intervals of several hours, having previously lubricated the skin around the sore spot with petroleum jelly, and glue it on top with a regular plaster. For some, this method of treatment will seem too tiring, but as a result, you can get rid of corns very quickly. The ointment causes irritation if applied to inflamed or wounded skin.
The Healer
The effectiveness of this cream is associated with the active action of its constituent urea. It helps to fill the cells with moisture, while tea tree oil softens the top layer of the skin. Among the components of the cream there are extracts of celandine and oak bark. They relieve the skin of the legs from tension and fatigue, relieve inflammation. It is necessary to process corns once a day, after making a bath.
“5 days”
Such an anti-corn paste is suitable not only for the treatment of corns, but also for prevention. Its softening and moisturizing effect is provided by petroleum jelly and lanolin. The paste is applied for 12 hours. During this time, the active ingredients act on rough skin. After the procedure, the corns are easily cleaned with a pumice stone. You can treat the sore spot several times. However, if there is a burning sensation or other discomfort, you should immediately wash off the paste. Similar side effects are possible with individual intolerance to the components that make up the product.
“Green Planet”
The cream is recommended for use in corns and rough skin. After it, the skin becomes soft and supple. All this thanks to the action of natural oils and lactic acid. The Green Planet cream is applied a couple of times a day to problem areas of the skin. It is safe for hands. It can also be used for prevention, as soon as the skin recovers and the corns are cured. The cream has a pleasant smell.
«Neutrogena»
Inexpensive, but good quality. Made in Norway. With it, you can reduce the thickness of the skin on the corns and prevent its occurrence in the future. The non-sticky texture allows the cream to be applied in the morning for hydration throughout the day. With regular use, the problem of corns will be gradually solved. The active ingredient in Neutrogena is urea.
“Namozol-911”
The cream is applied at night, in the morning you can peel off exfoliated skin. Contains tea tree extract. Has a healing effect. The tool is spent very sparingly, so one tube may last more than one month, even with frequent use.
Cream against corns, fungus, sweating brand “Crown of Siberia”
This tool belongs to natural cosmetics and contains horsetail and fly agaric extract. Thanks to fragrances and essential oils, it is very fragrant. You need to smear the feet with cream 2 times a day. After that, you should wait until the product is completely absorbed. It not only softens corns, but also promotes wound healing. After two weeks, the problem of dry corns will be finally resolved.
Corn tincture “Gehwol»
Many pedicure masters choose this tool for a reason. The tincture has a strong penetrating effect. Therefore, with a hardware pedicure, it quickly softens rough skin areas. At home, tincture must be used at least 2 times within 4 days. With a convenient brush, it is easy to apply the product exactly to the places of corns. In this case, it is recommended to use a patch to protect the healthy skin around.
Cream against corns with snake fat “TianDe”
Chinese cosmetics have become popular in recent years. Many say that it has a good effect on the skin and the body as a whole. Cream with snake fat is no exception. It is suitable for daily use and helps to quickly remove corns. Has an antibacterial and healing effect.
Plasters from corns
Advantages of this treatment method:
ease and ease of use of the patch;
relief from pain after just one application;
after a week, the corns are completely gone.
disadvantages plaster treatment is practically non-existent. You just need to change it regularly. Allergic reactions occur much less frequently than when using creams and ointments. However, in some cases, irritation is possible from the patch.
The most popular are the following:
«Compeed»
Compeed is one of the most well-known companies that makes quality corn patches. They have important advantages over similar products from other brands.
First, the Compeed patch is usable for several days. It is tightly fixed and will not peel off, even if you actively move.
Secondly, the patch relieves pain by reducing the mechanical effect on the skin. After a few hours, it will be possible to forget about the discomfort that corns cause when moving.
Thirdly, the product moisturizes the skin no worse than creams and ointments with a greasy and nourishing texture.
Before use, you need to make a foot bath. After that, gently and carefully treat the sore spot with a nail file or pumice stone, removing the topmost layer of skin, and dry with a towel. Before sticking the patch, it is warmed by hands. Attach only to the place of the corns. Otherwise, the patch may cause severe burns. On the leg, the patch needs to be warmed up again, rubbing it with your hands to enhance its effect. Repeat the procedure until the corns are completely gone. Compeed makes patches for corns between the toes. They are very convenient, as they are designed specifically for hard-to-reach places.
“Shuiangsuan”
This patch belongs to Chinese medicine. You need to use it for 6 days. During this time, the skin at the site of the corns softens. Over the next 10-15 days, the dead cells gradually flake off. Under the influence of the patch, the skin turns red. But don’t worry about this. Such a reaction means that the active components of the patch act on rough skin.
Before applying the patch, corns need to be steamed. After that, stick it on dry skin and leave for a day. After 24 hours, the procedure is repeated. During treatment, it is better to wear socks and not to wear open shoes.
“Salipod”
This patch has an antiseptic and keratolytic effect. It contains salicylic acid. Its action provides softening of the skin. Due to this, the active ingredients penetrate deep inside. The patch has an antimicrobial effect, protecting against bacteria on the surface and preventing the development of fungal infections. “Salipod” contains sulfur, which dries the skin.
This tool should not be used by pregnant women and children, as well as people with kidney disease. For some, it causes itching and burning.
The patch is applied for two days. As with other remedies, you first need to make a foot bath. Four applications are usually sufficient to completely remove corns. The patch should not be used if there are visible cracks or wounds on the skin.
«Urgo»
Another effective keratolytic agent in the form of a patch. It is made from wheat germ oil. Enriched with vitamins, the product has a positive effect on the skin of the feet and restores it. The advantage of the patches of this company is the presence of a special gasket. It protects the skin around the corns. The patch does not stick to the sore spot, so it will not cause pain. There are two types: protective and corn. The first is used both for prevention and for the removal of corns. Corn plaster is used only for their active treatment.
Pencils
You can always take such a remedy for corns with you. Compact, it does not take up much space and can be used in any situation. Be sure to take a pencil with you when the shoes are new. It is not known whether she will rub her legs or press. But if such a situation arises, it will be possible to prevent the appearance and development of corns.
Pencil by WARTNER
Among the pencils, the WARTNER dry callus remover applicator pen is very popular. Its effectiveness is due to the TCA gel. After application, it dries in 15 minutes and penetrates deep into rough skin. Avoid contact with the area around the corns. The course lasts 4 days. Apply the gel in the morning and evening. After complete drying, you can remove dead skin cells under running hot water. Before use, read the instructions carefully to avoid side effects.
Pencil by Compeed
Since it is better to prevent the appearance of corns than to treat them, you should pay attention to the Compeed pencil. She managed to establish herself as a manufacturer of high-quality remedies against corns. The pencil leaves no marks, so you can safely put on any shoes, even if they are open. Such a tool takes care of the skin of the feet, reducing friction and pressure. Therefore, if you use the Compeed pencil in advance, dry corns can be avoided.
Japanese socks
This new and fashionable remedy for getting rid of corns has already been tried by many lovers of shoes with high heels and stilettos. Socks are convenient when there is no time to constantly take baths and apply cream or stick a patch.
They include extracts of medicinal herbs: chamomile, sage, burdock. Many properties are due to the presence of lactic acid, lemon, citrus oil.
Socks act on the entire foot, softening the skin. She gets rough from tight and uncomfortable shoes. This condition of the skin can cause the development of fungal diseases, the appearance of cracks and unpleasant odors. With the help of socks, you can get rid of corns and prevent the appearance of other problems. They improve blood circulation and restore the skin, although they have a sharp specific smell. Eliminating dry corns, socks have an antifungal and exfoliating effect. It is especially good to use them after a hard day spent on your feet. The remedy relieves swelling and has a relaxing effect.
Baby Foot Socks
Baby Foot socks are comfortable to wear. They must be taken out of the package and cut off the top layer along the line. Then the socks are put on and securely fastened with the strips included in the kit. Within an hour, the roughened skin is destroyed layer by layer. Then the socks should be removed and the feet thoroughly washed with soap and warm water. You can completely get rid of corns in a few days. To do this, brush your feet regularly. During the procedure, you can not be distracted from everyday activities, but to increase efficiency, it is better to relax and not walk. In addition, there is a danger of slipping if you move too actively in socks.
Each procedure requires a new pair. Repeated use can spread bacteria and reduce effectiveness. The next time you can put on socks no earlier than two weeks after the first application. Usually you can forget about corns for several months.
Japanese socks are not the cheapest way to get rid of dry corns. However, compared to other means, it acts quickly, and the effect lasts for a long time.
Hardware pedicure
If self-treatment for several weeks does not give visible results, you should contact a specialist. The most gentle method is a hardware pedicure. Many ladies, who are not even worried about the problem of corns, regularly do such a procedure in the salon, because it is several hours of pleasure, and in the end – smooth and soft legs.
To get rid of dry calluses, you should contact the hardware pedicure master. This method allows you to remove corns as deeply as possible. Also, the device drills corns with a rod. It is almost impossible to get rid of them on your own, especially in advanced cases. During the procedure, there is no discomfort, much less pain.
First of all, the feet are treated with a disinfectant. Then the corns are cleaned off with a fine-grained and coarse-grained drill.
When carrying out a hardware pedicure, the possibility of infection is excluded. An experienced master always works with gloves. The result of the procedure depends on the device. Good models provide complete removal of corns. If you do a hardware pedicure all the time, then the problem of dry calluses will no longer affect the feet.
Cryodestruction
Liquid nitrogen is used in medicine to remove warts, scars and corns. Among all the methods to get rid of dry calluses, cryodestruction or cryotherapy is considered the most painful. After it, the skin recovers for a long time and requires careful care. In addition, removing corns with liquid nitrogen is an expensive procedure.
However, despite all the disadvantages, cryotherapy also has advantages. So, during its implementation there is no blood, and it takes very little time, which is important for many. Self-treatment requires constant repetition of procedures, you need to carefully put on shoes. After cryodestruction, no marks or scars remain. The risk that corns form in the same place again is minimal. For those who are contraindicated in anesthesia, this is a very successful option for surgical disposal of dry calluses. The procedure does not require anesthesia. Although it will make you feel uncomfortable.
Liquid nitrogen has practically no contraindications, but it can only be used on a small area of the skin. If the corn is large or several calluses are located nearby, cryotherapy will not work in this case. It will take too long and hard to recover.
Laser therapy
Getting rid of corns with a laser is a painless and effective method. The beam acts strictly on the affected areas. Thanks to this, healthy skin around the corns is not affected. At the same time, the disinfecting effect of the laser beam protects against infection by various infections and from pathogenic bacteria entering the wound.
After the procedure, there is no need for special foot care. You can continue to do your usual activities without experiencing any more pain and discomfort caused by dry corns.
Unlike cryodestruction, the effect of a laser beam on the skin is not noticeable. During the procedure, the patient does not experience any sensations. This method is suitable for those who have a low pain threshold. Laser therapy only needs to be done once. Therefore, it is better to spend money on this expensive procedure than to constantly purchase keratolytic remedies for home treatment.
Pillows against corns: proper prevention is the best protection
It is easier to cope with the disease at an early stage than when it is already running. But it is even easier to prevent its occurrence. Constant prevention will help to avoid the formation of dry corns. To do this, you need to carefully consider the choice of shoes, women alternate shoes with stilettos and heels with ballet flats and moccasins. Apply moisturizer daily and get regular pedicures.
If you have to constantly wear shoes with heels, you need to use special silicone pads. They are designed to be reusable. It is recommended to wash the pads often with water and sprinkle with talcum powder before use. Their main purpose is to evenly distribute the weight, which lightens the load on the feet, thus protecting against the appearance of corns. They can be presented in the form of insoles, semi-insoles and liners. These types of pillows differ in size. For closed shoes, you can choose insoles or semi-insoles, but liners are suitable for open women’s shoes or sandals. It is also worth considering where the feet most often form corns. Inserts protect the skin under the fingers, for a better effect, you can stop on the insole.