Corns and calluses

A callus is an area of thickened skin, usually found on the hands and feet, though it will appear on any part of the skin which is used repeatedly or pressed upon for any length of time. Corns are located only on the feet, particularly affecting the toes. Corns are very small, tender to touch and painful after walking.

Corns and calluses are the result of continued pressure or repeated injury to a small area. The hardened skin serves as a protection from further injury. Corns are formed from tight shoes, especially those with high heels, while calluses often form from working with the hands or playing a musical instrument, such as the guitar. Calluses are often mistaken for warts, which also show as hardened areas on the skin but are not the result of continued pressure.

To correct an acid-alkali imbalance which can predispose the body to the formation of corns, change the diet to include more fresh, raw alkalizing foods. Vegetables and fruits (even sour-tasting fruits like lemons) burn to alkali/ash in the body, whereas meats, dairy products and most grains are acid forming. Vegetables and fruits which are particularly rich in alkalizing minerals are spinach, cucumber, Jerusalem artichoke, cherries and raspberries. Eat two to three apples a day. For protein, choose plant foods like legumes, soy bean products like tofu, and potatoes, instead of acid-forming animal products. Millet and buckwheat are two grains which are alkali forming. Eliminate saturated fats, white flour, fried foods, sugar, alcohol, red meat, coffee, chocolate and soft drinks.

Supplements and herbs

Apply vitamin E directly onto corns and calluses to soften them and heal skin tissue.

Herbs can help reduce corns and speed healing of the skin.

• Apply milky juice of dandelion or the greater celandine (do not take internally) to corn. Repeat a few times a day for a week or two, until corn has loosened.
• Horsetail tincture taken diluted internally and applied externally will lend suppleness and elasticity to skin. Take 1/2-1 tsp. of tincture three times daily. Apply a cream or a poultice twice daily.
• Soak feet for five minutes in a solution of warm water and five drops of tea tree oil. Dry feet well and massage calloused area with a mix of tea tree oil and 1 tbsp. almond or olive oil.

What else you can do

• Walk barefoot whenever possible and wash feet daily.
• Wear comfortable footwear or insoles to avoid future corns and calluses. For very painful corns, apply special protective corn pads for comfort.

Back To Top