In treating a corn the cause must be remedied and this usually consists in getting footwear with plenty of “toe room,” thus relieving the pressure. For cure the callosity must be softened and removed. If the corn is not severe simply softening by soaking in hot soapy water and paring with a razor-sharp knife blade will often suffice. To remove corns: (1) Wash the foot well at bedtime. Soak for ten minutes in hot soapy water which will soften a corn so it will appear white. (2) Wipe dry. (3) Apply corn medicine. The chief ingredient of most of the advertised corn cures is salicylic acid and a convenient preparation is made by your druggist as follows:
Salicylic acid 11 parts Extract Cannibis Indica 2 parts Alcohol 10 parts Flexible collodion 77 parts
Apply with a wisp of cotton twisted on a match or toothpick, dip in solution and paint on the corn and allow to dry. Repeat the above nightly for four times. (4) On the fourth night the corn should be dead and whitish in color. After washing pare around the edge of the corn with a knife blade and lift the core out in one piece, including all of the thickened tissue down to the quick. The result is a complete cure if the attachments of the corn are taken out all at once.
Soft corns must be treated the same as hard ones: soften the corn tissue so it will come away without pain. Preferably here one should use an ointment instead of collodion; salicylic acid 40 parts, vaseline 30 parts and lanolin 30 parts. Smear this over the corns and keep the toes apart with absorbent cotton. Remove the cause.
Because they are so common foot injuries must not be resigned to as inevitable. Prevention is simple and the rewards to the tramper adequate.
As pertains to normal life anywhere the hiker must observe the accepted precepts of hygiene in order to derive the greatest benefit from his health giving pastime. The feet must be kept sound as emphasized in the foregoing, the stomach and bowels normal and temperance in all things strictly observed. Our aim is not to train and diet for record breaking feats, but to develop a reasonable endurance and become healthy.
As soon as is possible after a walk rub down with a wet towel and friction to a glow with a dry towel: this is very refreshing and quickly dispels stiffness. While walking produces a good appetite, eating and drinking must be moderately indulged in after a long walk, just satisfying the pangs of hunger else you will lack energy instead of gaining it. Be careful not to become overheated: in cold weather ease up near the end of the journey to cool off gradually and thus prevent chill.