You may find that you end up with corns when you're pregnant. The gradually increasing weight of your bump puts extra strain on your feet. Plus, if your feet start to swell a bit they may rub against your shoes causing corns to grow. Before your pregnancy you may have been happy to treat corns with chemical products such as plasters and gels; however, you may now be worried about using these products. Are corn treatments safe to use when you're pregnant?

The Chemicals in Corn Treatments

Corn treatment products usually release salicylic acid into your body through plasters or through gels and liquids that you paint on your corns. This acid content softens the hardened skin that creates corns so that they can eventually be removed. While a corn treatment's instructions may tell you that you can use the product when you're pregnant, other factors may make this a less viable choice.

For example, according to NetDoctor, you should check with your doctor before using corn treatment products that contain salicylic acid when you're pregnant. While the site states that the salicylic acid content is typically safe to use in pregnancy, these products may pose a problem if you have another condition or illness that might react with the corn treatment.

For example, diabetics and people with circulation problems shouldn't use these kinds of chemical corn treatments. If you're suffering from gestational diabetes or if you have developed circulatory problems, your doctor may advise against using these products.

Alternatives to Corn Treatments

You don't have to suffer with corns when you're pregnant even if you can't use chemical treatments or prefer not to take the risk. There are other ways to manage your painful corns.

For example, you can use a pumice stone or a corn scraper tool to gently remove the top layers of a corn. These options may make the corn less painful and more manageable. Be careful not to break the skin and don't be tempted to cut the corn off. If you damage the skin around a corn, you might get an infection.

If your bump is so big that you can barely see your feet never mind scrub away at the corns on them, you may find it easier to have a podiatrist treat your corns. This also gives you a more permanent fix than removing a few layers of the hard skin. Podiatrists know how to cut away corns safely and effectively and can give you advice on how to pad your toes to make your feet more comfortable.

Your podiatrist will also be a useful source of information on how to prevent corns from coming back. For example, you may be advised to switch to wearing more comfortable shoes to avoid the pressure on your feet that creates corns in the first place.

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