Are Corn Removal Pads Safe? 4 Hidden Dangers

Sondema Tarr
Sep 22
2 min read

If you've ever had a painful corn or callus on your foot, you might be tempted to grab a remover pad from your local drugstore. However, before you do, it's important to understand the potential risks associated with these products. In this blog post, I'm Dr. Sondema Tarr, a board-certified podiatrist practicing in Phoenix, AZ., and I'm here to share with you why corn and callus remover pads can be dangerous and what you can do instead.

Why Corn and Callus Remover Aren't Safe

1. They Burn Healthy Skin

Most corn and callus remover pads contain high concentrations of salicylic acid. While this acid is effective at breaking down corns and calluses, it can also burn healthy skin.

This can lead to sores, open wounds, or ulcers on your foot, which are not only painful but also take a long time to heal. People with conditions like diabetes or poor circulation are at an even higher risk for developing these wounds.

2. Risk of Infection

Open wounds from these pads can easily become infected. For those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, or kidney disease, this risk is even greater and can be life-threatening, leading to hospitalization and even amputation.

3. Treating the Wrong Problem

Corns and calluses can sometimes be mistaken for plantar warts. Using a remover pad on a wart can spread the infection to other parts of your body. It’s important to know you’re treating the correct problem.

4. Doesn’t Treat the Root Cause

Corns and calluses often develop due to pressure or friction, such as from shoes not fitting properly, or changes in foot shape. These pads do not address these underlying issues, which means the corn or callus can continue to come back.

Alternatives to Corn and Callus Remover Pads

Instead of reaching for a corn remover pad, consider trying the following steps to treat your corns and calluses:

1. See a Podiatrist

If you're struggling with a corn or callus that won't get better, see a foot doctor for an examination. They can perform a gait analysis to understand how pressure is distributed in your feet and recommend treatment.

2. Fix the Pressure

Wear well-fitting shoes and consider using orthotics or padding to offload pressure on afflicted areas. Offloading is key to preventing and treating these foot issues.

3. Moisturize and Exfoliate

Dry skin can lead to the development of calluses. Regularly moisturize your feet, and gently exfoliate with a pumice stone after a bath or shower. However, if you have chronic health issues, it's best to see a podiatrist before exfoliating.

4. Use Non-Acid Padding

For added cushioning to areas on your feet that are prone to developing pressure points, use cut out foam pads that don’t contain any medication. These pads help to cushion the area and reduce friction without the risk of skin damage.

Final Thoughts

Even if you’re healthy, the potential risks of using corn remover pads on your feet make them a questionable choice. I hope this post provides you with safer alternatives to manage your foot health. Take care and stay healthy!