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. 

CORNS AND CALLUSES- BUNIONS

CORNS AND CALLUSES

 BUNIONS

A bunion is a deformity of the big toe, almost always caused by the use of shoes that force the toe to turn toward the other toes. In mild cases, the pain can be relieved by heat, and the condition will correct itself after properly fitting shoes have been worn for some time. In more severe cases, a physician should be consulted, since surgery may be required for correction.

INGROWN TOENAILS ATHLETE'S FOOT

These can be prevented by the use of good shoes and by keeping the nails short, with the sides a little longer than the middle. Badly ingrown nails should always be treated by a physician or podiatrist, since a serious infection may otherwise develop. If you have a slightly ingrown nail, insert a tiny bit of cotton that has been soaked in castor oil under the ingrown edge of the nail; protect the nail from pressure by a pad of clean gauze held in place by adhesive tape. Athlete's foot, or dermatophytosis, often requires medical attention.

It is caused by a fungus, a form of plant life, which grows on the dead cells that make up the calluses and "old skin" of the feet and thrives on warmth and dampness. It causes itching or burning spots, and often blisters, usually between the toes. In addition to discomfort, it provides sites for more serious infections. If you insist on treating athlete's foot yourself, the following method is safe: Dry the feet thoroughly and always keep them as dryas possible. Wear socks that will absorb moisture without being so rough as to irritate the skin, and shoes that fit well without being "airtight." After drying your feet, apply a mild alcoholic solution-rubbing alcohol or toilet water.

Dry again. Put some plain unscented talcum powder on the feet and in your shoes. Keep your toenails short. Gently remove all scaly, soggy, or horny material from between the toes and from the soles of the feet. Put pledgets of lamb's wool or absorbent cotton between the toes if they are too close together. And use Desenex ointment over the infected, itching areas morning and night. You may also try the following method when the lesions are moist and oozing: Soak the feet in 1 :15,000 solution of potassium permanganate \ These can cause a considerable amount of trouble, and the best way to avoid them is by wearing shoes that fit. Corns are of two varieties: hard, usually found on the outside of the little toe; and soft, between the toes.