Health Library Salicylic Acid for Calluses and CornsFrom Healthwise

Mild salicylic acid preparations are available as nonprescription liquids, gels, and plaster patches for home treatment of calluses and corns. Liquids and gels usually contain 6% to 17% salicylic acid, and plasters contain 40% salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid softens the dead skin so that a callus or corn can be rubbed off.

Salicylic acid is used to treat calluses and corns. Nonprescription preparations are inexpensive and cause minimal or no pain.

Salicylic acid should not be used if:¹

• You are not certain that the skin condition is a callus or corn.
• You have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy or other conditions that cause circulatory problems or numbness. If you have any of these conditions, talk with your health professional before starting any treatment.
• Your callus or corn is cracked.

Using nonprescription salicylic acid is effective but is also a relatively slow process.

Salicylic acid can irritate or damage healthy skin surrounding the callus or corn. As a preventive measure, cover the surrounding skin with a doughnut-shaped pad or bandage when applying salicylic acid. If you experience discomfort with salicylic acid treatment, try applying it less often.

On rare occasions, salicylic acid treatment causes scarring.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

• Some health professionals advise against using salicylic acid because it can damage surrounding skin. If you use salicylic acid, be sure to apply it only to the callus or corn and not to surrounding skin.
• How to apply and how often to use salicylic acid products varies with the product. Always read the manufacturer's instructions.
• If treatment causes the area to become too tender, stop using the medication for 2 to 3 days.
• If your callus or corn is painful and does not improve after 2 weeks, consult your health professional.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Freeman DB (2002). Corns and calluses resulting from mechanical hyperkeratosis. American Family Physician, 65(11): 2277–2280.

Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: December 7, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.