Synonyms in a broader sense
Crow’s eye, light thorn Medical: ClavusKlavus
Corn therapy
First and foremost, the therapy of a corn consists of stopping or reducing the causative activity. In addition, self-treatment for removal with salicylic acid is possible in the form of solutions or patches, which can be purchased in pharmacies and are applied locally to dissolve the corneal layer. It is important here that the healthy skin does not come into contact with the product when removing the cornea, as otherwise it may be affected.
If this does not improve the situation or if professional assistance is required for other reasons, a so-called podiatrist (a trained chiropodist) can be consulted at any time. He or she is familiar with corns and can arrange an individually adapted therapy or carry it out himself or herself. This therapy always has the goal of removing or dissolving the horn wedge of the corn and thus removing it (for example with the help of tweezers).
If the corn has become infected, this inflammation is treated directly, which often requires the involvement of a physician, since antibiotics must be used. If the lesions are very deep-seated, it may be necessary to remove the corn surgically. Even if certain toe or foot malpositions are the cause of the corns, this may be an indication for surgery.
Tea tree oil as household remedy
A well-tried household remedy to remove corns is the tea tree oil, which you can buy for little money in the drugstore or pharmacy. Tea tree oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of the tea tree native to Australia and has been used for a long time as a remedy for various skin diseases. The important ingredient terpinen-4-ol gives tea tree oil its characteristic essential odor.
Tea tree oil is said to have an antiseptic (effective against bacteria and viruses) and anti-inflammatory effect. Corns are not inflammatory (caused by viruses or bacteria), however, tea tree oil as a household remedy helps to remove corns by softening the cornification. Applied undiluted at specific points in the evening before going to bed, it is said to help make the corn disappear.
However, tea tree oil should not be applied undiluted to healthy skin, as it can irritate and dry out the skin and may cause contact allergies. A foot bath with a few drops of tea tree oil has also been proven effective against corns. After the footbath the horny skin is softened and you can try to get rid of the corn with a pumice stone, for example.
