Best Essential Oils for Corns with DIY Recipes

The pressure and friction of daily wear and tear are not just felt on the psyche, but the brunt is borne by the feet as well. This pressure and friction manifests as corns on the feet. Corns are hardened layers of skin. Foot corns are lumpy skin patches yellow in color. It is usually formed at the top of the toes or at the sides. Corns are not a serious medical condition, but it can be painful.

Corns and calluses are thickened skin, which are initially formed as a barrier to the friction, but with time this build-up gets uncomfortable and painful. The skin beneath the corn may become infectious – this is especially likely in those with ailments including peripheral vascular disease and diabetes.

What Are The Common Causes of Corns on Feet?

Shoes

If the shoe doesn’t fit, then get the right shoe. Shoes that are too tight put too much pressure on the feet, which results in calluses or sores. Shoes that are too big will cause the foot to rub against the shoe and cause friction, thus leading to corn. High heel shoes can increase the pressure on the front of the feet and cause corn.

The same is applicable to socks. Corn is formed when the feet rub against the fabric. Shoes are stylish but if the foot is squeezed it can be painful and disruptive. Switching your footwear will give the results you need. Footwear cause open sore and develops between the toes.

Foot Issues

Deformities of the feet can also cause (or increase the risk of) foot corn. Some of these deformities include claw toe or hammer toe. Corns are abnormalities of the foot and may develop on smaller toe which can be painful.

Sweat Duct

The seed cons form at the bottom of the feet and are formed because the sweat plugs have no opening or are blocked.

No Footwear

Not wearing footwear can also cause corn. Walking for miles or jogging regularly without proper footwear can result in friction, ergo corns.

Age

As a person ages, he or she loses the fatty tissue that acts as a barrier in the feet. Proper foot care can reduce the risk (or number) of corns in the feet.

Benefits of Essential Oils For Corns

There are many remedies available for the treatment of corns. But, most of the treatments entail applying ointments with salicylic acid on the skin or taking antibiotics. The use of antibiotics frowned upon by many people; and those with diabetes and other health conditions cannot take them.

However, there are many natural remedies that can reduce and remove corns on the feet. Essential oils for corns are one such natural remedy. The essential oils used in the treatment of corns are as effective as cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, and has other benefits.

The treatment and management of corns has been written explicitly by researchers Ahmad M. Al Aboud and Siva Naga S. Yarrarapu (1).

Essential oils for skin conditions are quite popular. These plant based oils are applied topically on the skin to repair damaged skin cells, restore the skin’s texture and treat different skin conditions and inflammatory diseases including psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.

Some of the essential oils that are useful in treating corn are tea tree essential oil, lavender essential oil, garlic essential oil and peppermint essential oil. These oils have anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effect that reduces the pain and discomfort due to corns. It also reduces the tenderness and thickness of the tissues. The oils have antibacterial and antiseptic properties that prevent infections.

The biological properties of essential oils were published in the Flavor and Fragrance Journal in 2010 (2). So, what are the amazing essential oils for corns that treat the issues and mitigate the symptoms?

Best Essential Oils for Corns Treatment

There are many essential oils available at Gya Labs, but here we have segregated some of the best essential oils for corns. These oils treat the foot corn condition and accelerate the healing process.

1. Tea Tree Essential Oil for Corn Treatment

Tea tree essential oil is widely used in treating skin conditions. This oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia tall shrub and has antiseptic, antifungal, and antimicrobial activities. The oil is applied topically on the skin to treat skin abrasions and dermatitis.

With its antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, tea tree essential oil is considered one of the best essential oils to get rid of warts. The terpinen-4-ol compound fights human papilloma virus to inhibit wart growth when applied topically. Tea tree oil also penetrates deep within warts over time to systematically destroy them without pain or scarring.

Summary

A 2012 review on the uses and effects of tea tree oil in dermatology has been published in the International Journal Of Dermatology (3). The oil is diluted and applied directly on the corn to dry it out.

2. Oregano Essential Oils for Corns Therapy

Known for its antioxidant properties, the essential oil of oregano gives the skin a smooth texture. It is generally used to treat acne and other skin conditions. Besides the antioxidant properties the oil also has anti-inflammatory and antifungal activities that can treat foot corn and soothe the nearby skin.

It is applied to reduce discomfort. The oil is diluted with carrier oil before topical application. The vitamins and antioxidants treat fungal infections with the compound carvacrol which researchers have analyzed for its antiviral medicinal properties.

Because of its antifungal properties, Oregano essential oil is one of the most strongest antifungal essential oils available. It contains carvacrol and thymol, two compounds that are highly effective against a wide range of fungi, including Candida, Aspergillus, and Trichophyton. Oregano oil can be used topically to treat fungal infections of the skin, nails, and scalp, or diffused in the air to prevent the spread of fungal spores.

3. Clove Bud Essential Oil For Corn on Feet

Cloves and its essential oils have been used to soothe and control digestive distress and toothaches. Its aroma is also known to lower respiratory problems. The clove essential oil also has healing effect on the skin and hence it is applied on the corn.

The science journal Materials Today Communications published a 2021 study that evaluates the healing effects of clove oil (4).

This healing effect of the oil is utilized in treating corn. The oil also has the following properties – anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties. This prevents infections from forming underneath the foot corn. The oil also numbs the skin and can be used to soothe painful corn.

Must read essential oil for toothache

4. Lavender Essential Oil for Corn Natural Treatment

Lavender essential oil is a natural plant oil with antifungal, analgesic, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory qualities. It combats the microbes and fungus in the sweat that cause foot corn. The aroma of lavender has a soothing effect on the mind and body and reduces discomfort caused due to the corn.

The oil is also used as an ingredient in pharmaceutical ointments. The Lavandula angustifolia essential oil is also, considered one of the top essential oils for eczema and allergies.

5. Lemon Essential Oil Gets Rid Of Corn

The essential oil extracted from the rind of lemons is diluted and applied on the skin and on the corn. The oil is also used as an ingredient in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. It is used in aromatherapy to refresh the spirits.

The oil has compounds with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that kills the fungus on the feet and prevents corns from forming. The feet can be soaked in warm water infused with lemon essential oil after taking off the footwear every day.

6. Peppermint Essential Oil for Corn Removal

The soothing nature and anti-inflammatory properties of the oil from peppermint plant helps relieve physical pain and reduces inflammation of the skin. When diluted peppermint oil is applied on the foot corn, it weakens and eliminates it. Peppermint oil is known for its medicinal properties. The many properties of peppermint oil are useful for relieving pain and treating bruises.

Must read our article about essential oils for bruises, that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

7. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil For Corn on Feet

Roman chamomile essential oil is used for treating and preventing various ailments from digestive disorders to physical wounds. It is used in treating different skin conditions as it has the ability of negating skin irritants. It is hypoallergenic in nature and soothes the skin when diluted and applied topically. Hence, topical application of Roman chamomile softens the calluses and corns. The diluted oil is applied directly on the corn.

8. Garlic Essential Oil for Corn

The traditional treatment for corn involves applying garlic paste on the affected region. Garlic essential oil has made the task simpler. Its antioxidant properties make it an active ingredient in different products. It is also high in vitamins and hence not only treats corn, but also nourishes the skin.

9. Turpentine Essential Oil for Corn

When it comes to essential oils, turpentine essential oil is the last name that comes to mind. However, this oil is undervalued when it comes to skin care. Turpentine essential oil is good for both calluses and corns. The oil is applied on the skin after dilution. The skin absorbs the oil and prevents infection and reduces pain. Gradually the corns get weak and shed. Carrier oils can be used to dilute the oil.

DIY Blend Recipes of Essential Oils for Corn

The concentrated organic plant oils are effective in relieving pain and inflammation. It is a norm to use essential oils blend to take care of ailment. Here too, essential oils can be mixed with other essential oils and carrier oils to get relief and to get rid of foot corn.

Recipe 1

Ingredients

• 7 drops of frankincense essential oil
• 3 drops of myrrh essential oil
• 5 drops of basil essential oil
• 2 drops of pine essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 bowl of water

Instructions

• Apply the concoction directly on the skin. All the ingredients can be mixed together.

Use a dropper to measure the oils.

• The corn takes up to 2 days to a week to shed.
• The essential oils blend can be applied on the corn two to three times in a day.
• While adding water, Epsom salt can be mixed with the solution.
• For massaging or scrubbing the feet, soak the feet in warm water for at least 20 minutes.

Recipe#2 – Foot Cream with Essential Oils for Corns

Ingredients

• 20 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil
• 6 tablespoons of castor oil
• 3 teaspoons of beeswax

Instructions

• Heat the beeswax in a small bowl.
• Take the bowl off the heat and add carrier oil to the beeswax.
• Mix the contents by stirring continuously.
• Allow the mixture to cool. Keep stirring at intervals.
• Add the essential oil to the mix and mix it well.
• Transfer the contents to a glass jar and refrigerate.
• Apply it on the feet when required.

Natural Ways of Treating Corn or Calluses

• Soak the feet in warm water infused with Epsom salt. Soak the feet for 20 minutes and add essential oils if possible. You can use a rough fabric or a pumice stone to get rid of dead cells.
• Reducing the friction of the skin surface is a good way of reducing corn. One can use fractionated coconut oil or other carrier oils which are natural emollient.
• We have discussed the essential oils for corns in the above segment. The oils can be diluted with carrier oils and other emollients.
• There are pads available that acts as a barrier against friction. However, while choosing barrier pads, avoid the ones with salicylic acid which may cause burns.
• There are toe separators that can be place between the toes to prevent or mitigate corns between the toes.
• Arch supporters or custom made orthotics can be used to mitigate the excess pressure felt at certain parts of the feet.
• Exercising to strengthen the feet, and even out the pain and pressure points also prevents foot corn from developing.

Conclusion

Foot corns are skin thickened due to pressure and friction. Corns are calluses that develop on the feet. Essential oils for corns are a natural way of treating corn on feet. Essential oils are plant based oils that have healing and soothing benefits that reduces the discomfort due to foot corn.

Essential oils are a natural way of getting rid of foot corn and getting relief from discomfort. Essential oils can be applied directly, but first it is diluted with a carrier oil. Undiluted oils are therapeutic, but can cause side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• Corns. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470374/ 
• Biological properties of essential oils: an updated review. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ffj.2024 
• A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x 
• Antimicrobially active gelatin/[Mg-Al-CO3]-LDH composite films based on clove essential oil for skin wound healing. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352492821001616