Over-the-Counter Corn and Callus Removers

Salicylic acid is the only over-the- counter drug that is safe and effective for treating calluses and hard corns, according to the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA). For medicated disks, pads, or plasters, the
recommended concentration of salicylic acid is 12 percent to 40 percent. A concentration of 12 percent to 17.6 percent is recommended for liquid forms.

Many podiatrists, however, advise against the use of these products as home remedies, mainly because the active ingredient is an acid that can burn healthy skin as well as the dead skin of a callus or corn. If you do decide to try one of these products, follow the package directions carefully and be sure to apply the product only to the area of the corn or callus, avoiding the surrounding healthy tissue ( one way to do this is to spread petrolatum in a ring shape around the corn or callus). If your corn or callus does not improve within two weeks, stop using the product and see a podiatrist. If you are diabetic or have any medical condition that hinders circulation, do not try one of these products at all; see a podiatrist at the first sign of any foot problem.

The following ingredients are not generally recognized as being safe and effective for removing corns and
calluses, according to the FDA: iodine, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, allantoin, belladonna, chlorobutanol, diperodon hydrochloride, ichthammol, methylbenzethonium chloride, methyl salicylate, panthenol, phenyl salicylate, and vitamin A.

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