Corns are a small patch of thickened, dead skin that has a hard central core. These occur at pressure points on the tops or the sides of the toes where the foot comes in contact with a shoe and friction is caused. The discomfort caused by corns impacts everyday activities and can even make the simple act of walking painful. Although not a serious medical condition, corns can be extremely uncomfortable. Kroko corn and callus remover has been on the market for almost 90 years and is our flagship product. While this treatment is effective there are also a number of ways people can avoid developing corns in the first place. Here are 5 tips and tricks for preventing and treating corns and calluses.

Tip 1: Wear the right shoes.

Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause corns to develop on the toes, particularly if the shoes you are wearing have a narrow toe box or are pointed.  Ditch shoes that cause any pinching or rubbing when walking.

Tip 2: Get the size right.

It’s not just about trying on shoes, you really shoe measure your feet before trying on new shoes.  There should be a half-inch between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. It’s also best to shop at the end of the day when feet are most swollen. Top tip - buy running shoes 1 size bigger.

Tip 3: Replace shoes regularly.

When shoes are worn regularly, the soles wear down which reduces protection from the shock of walking on hard surfaces. Worn linings on shoes can chafe the skin, causing corns, calluses or blisters so replace shoes when needed.  

Tip 4: Wear socks

Socks provide a protective layer between your feet and your shoes. Good quality socks will prevent the friction that leads to corns. If you’re wearing shoes that don’t suit socks, consider wearing no-show or “secret’” socks to help reduce friction. If you’re an athlete, try to invest in quality socks that will provide the necessary cushioning. You can now even buy "blister socks" which really do help prevent corns and calluses as well as blisters.

Tip 5: Check your posture.

People who walk with improper posture or walk too heavily on the inner or outer edge of the foot, can get corns. Check your posture and if necessary, see a chiropractor to align your body and gait.

How do you treat corns?

While these tips might work for most, corns and calluses can still occur, particularly for those who compete in long-distance running. These are best treated with one of Kroko’s tried-and-tested products.

• Kroko Corn and Callus Remover: This tried and trusted remedy has been helping remove corns since 1936. This is a quick and painless cream ointment application for the removal of corns and calluses.

• Kroko CornFix: This a liquid corn removal treatment with an applicator and 6 corn plasters with foam doughnut-shaped rings. CornFix is painted onto the corn and it works by eating away hard, calloused skin and improves the renewal process for smoother, softer feet over time.

• Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters: These are soft foam rings filled with a dose of salicylic acid in an adhesive corn plaster for the symptomatic treatment of corns, warts and inter-digital corns and calluses.

• Kroko Corn Protectors: These are doughnut-shaped foam ring protective corn plasters which help reduce the pressure on painful corns and calluses when wearing shoes or socks.