Corns, also known as calluses, are thickened patches of skin that develop as a result of constant pressure. When you develop a corn, it's your skin's way of protecting itself from blisters and other open sores. Corns can be unsightly and look thick and scaly. Removing foot corns involves relieving the pressure from your foot and then carefully sloughing away the dead skin cells on your foot to reveal healthier, smoother skin.
Soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. This will help soften the skin in preparation to exfoliating. After 20 minutes, remove your feet and pat dry. Use a pumice stone to gently scrub at the corn, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Never rub so hard that it causes you pain or opens sores on your skin. Once you've sloughed away some of the dead skin, rinse your foot. You can use a pumice stone several nights in a row to achieve the best results.
Apply a thick layer of moisturizing cream over your entire foot, focusing on the corn. When it's been covered, slide your foot into a sock or cover with plastic wrap. This insulates the foot to warm the moisturizer for better penetration. Leave the covering on all night.
Apply a donut-shaped bandage to protect the corn throughout your day. Any added friction can cause the corn to begin formation again, so it's important to stop all friction from occurring, according to MedlinePlus. Replace the donut bandage as needed, removing it each night to repeat your soaking, exfoliating and moisturizing regime before bed.
Switch to shoes that have plenty of toe room and heel support, suggests the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Ensure that your shoes don't cause any sort of excessive rubbing. This will not only help your corns heal, but comfortable, well supported shoes will also stop future corns from developing.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if home remedies don't seem to remove your foot corns. Your corn may be so thick and well-developed that it requires surgical removal. Your doctor can also suggest ways to reduce friction for less corn formation. Never use a razor blade or other device to shave away the corn on your own. You could leave yourself susceptible to infection and scarring as a result of your own procedures, according to ePodiatry.com.