We talk a lot about ‘foot health’ and at Start-Rite that means allowing the foot to move naturally to enable the body to develop healthily. If a shoe encumbers natural movement, then receptors send messages to the brain that something could be wrong with the child’s gait and the brain will compensate accordingly.
However, ‘foot health’ can also be interpreted as common foot issues such as corns, verrucas and blisters. In this blog, we take a look at what parents and carers can do to treat and prevent corns on children’s feet.
Corns are a pretty common occurrence, typically presenting as thickened areas of skin on the foot or toes. These callused areas can form as a protective response to repeated pressure or friction, sometimes as a result of ill-fitting shoes or high-impact activities.
Unfortunately, corns can be uncomfortable or even painful on little feet, but there are plenty of effective treatments that you can try at home to help ease that discomfort.
For the most part, corns can be treated at home - though you may need professional medical advice if the corns last for a long time or are causing particular distress for your child. If your child has diabetes, heart or circulatory problems, you should avoid at-home treatments unless recommended by a doctor - get professional medical advice from your healthcare team instead.
As mentioned above, one of the main causes of corns and calluses is friction, and if that friction continues, it could make the problem worse. To help limit this, apply a cushioning pad or corn plaster. These small ring-shaped foam or gel pads are adhesive plasters that protect the affected area from further friction or pressure and reduce pain.
Also available are toe separators and cushioned insoles that will comfort areas prone to rubbing. For sensitive skin, there are non-medicated versions available. There are also exfoliating pads available that use salicylic acid - a substance which can help to soften hardened skin ready for removal.
To help remove layers of dead skin, a pumice stone can be a great, easy-to-use option. First, soften your child’s skin by soaking their feet in warm water for 5-10 minutes - or simply take the opportunity to do this after their usual bath or shower. Then gently rub the affected area with the pumice.
It’s important not to rub too hard as the softened skin is more prone to damage. Always rinse and dry the feet off thoroughly after using a pumice stone, and apply moisturiser to the skin afterwards. Remember, a pumice stone should be considered as personal as a towel - never share the same stone between multiple people.
A foot healthcare provider such as a chiropodist or podiatrist might shave or cut away at the skin to remove hardened areas - but this should never be done at home. Professionals know how to do this safely and limit the risk of infection, which can lead to further health problems.
Another option to treat corns at home is to use moisturising creams or foot balms. If you can, look for a cream designed specifically for use on the feet - these products will contain ingredients that help to keep tough skin soft through pressure-heavy activity like walking, standing and running.
Apply moisturising creams daily and every time your child’s feet are exposed to hot water - i.e. after every bath or shower - to keep the skin supple, hydrated and less prone to thickening.
If your child is experiencing persistent pain, or especially if the area affected bleeds, looks reddened or swells up, then please seek medical advice. These could be signs of infection or other conditions that require professional medical attention.
Treating corns and calluses when they develop is important, but it’s even better if you can prevent them from developing in the first place. There are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk of your child experiencing corns, and to spot them early on when they do develop so they’re easier to treat and less uncomfortable for your little one.
First, maintain a healthy foot care regime to keep your child’s feet healthy and happy. To help prevent corns, always dry your child’s feet carefully and moisturise them regularly to keep their skin soft and supple. Pay particular attention to the heels, toes and balls of the feet, as these are common corn hotspots.
At the same time, use this opportunity to have a visual and tactile inspection of your child’s feet. Once a week or so, check your child’s feet for dry, rough, hardened or discoloured areas. Ask your child if their feet hurt at all. Doing so not only helps you spot developing corns, but can clue you in to other foot health problems early on as well.
As with any foot health condition, the socks and shoes your child wears can have a big impact on their likelihood of developing corns and calluses. Choose socks that fit well and do not bunch up, as this is likely to cause rubbing. A soft, breathable fabric can also help to reduce friction and moisture build-up.
As for shoes, we really can’t overstate the importance of making sure your child is wearing shoes that fit them well. The kind of friction that leads to corns can easily be caused by shoes that are too large as well as those that are too small - either way can cause rubbing on the feet.
If you’re having trouble finding shoes that fit your child’s feet, consider different width fittings or shoes that use buckles or laces which can be adjusted to suit your child’s particular foot shape. Your child might also have a high or low instep which will impact the style of shoe they require. A professional shoe fitter can help with this process.
There is a lot to consider to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible, so always consult a professional shoe fitter if possible. Check out our collection of Start-Rite school shoes that support a variety of needs and shapes, with bespoke technology to ensure healthy development and all-day comfort.
And, finally ensure your child has more than one pair of shoes that you frequently rotate as this will provide respite from any particular pressure points.
