Many of us experience discomfort and pain from foot problems. While more serious foot conditions might require the attention of a physician, over-the-counter treatments that are available without a doctor's order can be effective for some of the more common problems, including warts and corns.
Treating Plantar Warts
For simple plantar warts on the bottom of the feet, there are several brands of acidic compounds available without prescription. Applied directly to the skin, they cause the skin in and around the wart to gradually disintegrate. Duofilm, Compound W and Wart-Off, for example, contain 17% salicylic acid combined with lactic acid. A physician may "burn off" the warts with cryotherapy in which liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the warts.
However, two studies showed no significant difference between the 17% salicylic acid compound and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen alone or used together with salicylic acid. The studies' cure rates were 76% and 84% with salicylic acid. For complete eradication of warts, daily application of salicylic acid is required for two to three months. Cryotherapy may be effective with one or a few treatments, but requires visits to the physician's office. Salicylic acid in the form of a 40% plaster is also available (Sal-Acid, Mediplast), but studies of its effectiveness were unavailable or non-existent.
Mosaic plantar warts, which are clusters of small plantar warts, are more resistant to treatment. The salicylic acid compound has a cure rate of 45% for mosaic plantar warts. In comparative studies, it was as effective as any chemical treatment available in the doctor's office or by prescription. No studies were found comparing salicylic acid to cryotherapy in treating mosaic plantar warts.
Treating Corns
Excessive pressure on a particular area of the foot may cause a corn to form. A corn is a growth of skin protein or a toughening of the outer layers of the skin. Soft corns are nodules that grow between the toes, most often the fourth and fifth toes. Perspiration causes soft corns to break down and become extremely tender. It may be difficult to distinguish soft corns from athlete's foot.
Hard corns generally occur on the sole of the foot or the top of the toe. Hard corns frequently are tender and have a clear, hard center when shaved. This distinguishes them from warts, which are not very tender and may bleed slightly when shaved.
Treating hard corns may involve removing excess skin protein. A physician may pare away corns with a sterile blade and remove the inner protein material. There are over-the-counter alternatives, however.
First, be sure to wear shoes with wide, deep toe boxes. In fact, shoes that fit properly can prevent or cure many foot problems. Try on new shoes at the end of the day when feet are at their largest and make sure there is plenty of room across the toes and the ball of the foot.
In the case of hard corns on the bottom of the feet, self-adhesive metatarsal pads may be placed in the shoe to relieve pressure. Gradually, as pressure is relieved, the corn may shrink and eventually disappear. To properly place a pad inside the shoe, mark the corn with lipstick or a grease pencil. Then step into the shoe barefoot. The resulting mark will show the proper placement of a metatarsal pad.
Corn plasters, which are felt pads containing 40% salicylic acid, are available without a doctor's order for hard corns. They may be effective in treating corns by eating away at the skin's surface. However, no studies of their effectiveness are available.
To relieve pressure on toes, try Silopos toe sleeves, polymer gel (such as Cushlin Gel), foam padding or lamb's wool. (Because it doesn't compress or retain moisture, lamb's wool is preferred over cotton padding.)
Individuals who have diabetes or poor circulation in the feet should consult their doctor about any foot problems, as certain conditions might complicate treatment.
