Corns, Calluses, and Blisters

Treatment of corn/callus

1. Soak corn or callus in warm water

   1. Do this for about 10 mins or until skin softens 

2. File corn or callus with pumice stone

   1. First dip pumice stone in warm water, and then use the stone to gently file the corn or callus. Use circular or sideways motions to remove dead skin 

3. Be careful not to take off too much skin

   1. Doing so could cause bleeding and infection 

4. Cold pack will reduce swelling and pain

5. Apply moisturizing lotion or cream to area daily 

   1. Look for a moisturizing lotion or cream with salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea

   2. These ingredients will help gradually soften hard corns or calluses 

6. Using padding available at drugstores

   1. To protect from further irritation during activity, cut piece of moleskin into 2 half moon shapes and place around callus

   2. To prevent corn from making contact with shoe, surround corn with donut shaped adhesive pads 

7. Wear shoes that properly fit

   1. Ensure the right size and shape of shoe for your foot. Shop for shoes at the end of the day, when your feet may be slightly swollen. Ask shoe clerk to measure foot, and choose shoes that are not too loose or tight 

8. Keep your toenails trimmed 

   1. Toenails that are too long can force toes to push against shoe, causing corn to form.

Prevention

Preventing chafing leading to blisters on feet and body parts

1. Protect your feet. 

   1. To prevent blisters on your feet, wear nylon or moisture-wicking socks. If wearing one pair of socks doesn’t help, try wearing two pairs to protect your skin. You should also make sure your shoes fit properly. Shoes shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.

2. Wear the right clothing. 

   1. During physical activity, wear moisture-wicking, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid clothes made of cotton, as cotton soaks up sweat and moisture, which can lead to friction and chafing.

3. Apply powder or petroleum jelly to problem areas. 

   1. This helps reduce friction when your skin rubs together or rubs against clothing.

4. Stop your activity immediately if you experience pain or discomfort, or if your skin turns red. Otherwise, you may get a blister.

Treat blisters

1. Cover the blister. 

   1. Loosely cover the blister with a bandage. Bring in the sides of the bandage so that the middle of the bandage is a little raised.

2. Use padding. 

   1. To protect blisters in pressure areas, cut the padding into a donut shape with a hole in the middle and place it around the blister then cover all with a bandage.

3. Avoid popping or draining a blister, as this could lead to infection. 

   1. However, if your blister is large and very painful, it may be necessary to drain the blister to reduce discomfort.

   2. Sterile needle 

4. Keep the area clean and covered. 

   1. Once your blister has drained, wash the area with soap and water and apply petroleum jelly. Do not remove the “roof” of the blister, it protects the raw skin underneath as it heals. Watch for signs of infection.

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