Corns

Corns are hardened or thickened skin which, unlike calluses, have a central core or point. So many people get into trouble by using corn remedies or by cutting their own corns that we wish everybody would have them removed by a podiatrist. 

But common sense tells us that some of you are going to go right on attending to your own corns, so we are providing directions for the best way to do the cutting-but with the following important proviso: 

If you are not in good health, if you suffer from poor circulation, and, above all, if you are a diabetic, you should NEVER cut your own corns. In addition, never treat corns or warts on- the soles of the feet, since they are usually the result of infection and you can do harm by treating them yourself. Injections of novocaine have been found useful in relieving pain caused by warts on the soles and in some cases apparently have caused the warts to disappear.

Now for the directions

 Don't use commercial corn removers as they are usually too strong. For hard corns, soak the toes in warm water for about 15 minutes, apply a drop or two of 10 percent salicylic acid in collodion, then cover the corn with a plain corn pad of the right size, and leave it on for three or four days. Then soak the toes again and the corn will probably lift out easily. 

If it does not, see a podiatrist. For softcorns, pare down the horny rim very carefully with a razor blade or scissors (which has been thoroughly washed and scalded or immersed for a few minutes in alcohol). Take great care not to cut too far. If you should nick the skin, apply iodine and leave the corn alone. After you have pared the corn, cover it With a plain pad or piece of adhesive plaster to protect it Horn pressure, and keep it as dryas possible. It will probably get better; if not, see a podiatrist.