Corns are a skin condition characterized by thickened skin with deep roots that form hard nodules, resembling the eye of a chicken, and causing severe pain when pressure is applied during walking. Corns often occur on the soles of the feet, between the toes, on the top of the toes, and on the outer sides of the little toes, where there is long-term friction and pressure. Ill-fitting or tight shoes are common causes of corns. Corns are typically the size of a soybean, slightly raised above the skin, with a light yellow center and a darker surrounding area, and they are named for their resemblance to a chicken's eye. The main symptom of corns is pain, which is particularly noticeable when walking. Conditioning corns can be challenging and requires prolonged moxibustion in one session. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, corns fall under the categories of "corn" and "flesh thorn." It is believed that corns are caused by long-term pressure on the feet, leading to impaired circulation of qi and blood, loss of nourishment to the skin, and abnormal growth.
Moxibustion is applied directly on the corn (or plantar wart), with the patient feeling a slight burning sensation and the area turning red as the indicator. Each session of moxibustion should last for 60-90 minutes, and it should be done once daily.
1. Before moxibustion, soak the affected foot in warm water (about 40°C) for 30 to 45 minutes to soften the skin. Then disinfect the skin with povidone-iodine or 75% alcohol cotton balls, and trim away the thick skin with a disinfected blade, being careful not to cause pain or bleeding. Then apply moxibustion on the corn using an Ai Yisheng moxibustion device, with the patient feeling a slight burning sensation and the area turning red as the indicator, for 60-90 minutes each time, once daily. 2. Avoid using unclean scissors to prevent infection. Do not self-treat corns or thick calluses, and people with diabetes should especially avoid self-treatment of thick calluses or corns to prevent worsening. 3. Choose appropriate, loose shoes to avoid causing foot deformities. When you feel a part of the foot is subjected to compression and friction, use foot care appliances such as corn pads, toe straighteners, toe separators, and toe protectors in a timely manner to reduce friction and compression.