210 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
WARTS (VERRUCAE)
Most warts, especially those in children, last 3 to
5 years and go away by themselves. Flat, painful wart-like
spots on the sole of the foot are often ‘plantar warts’.
(Or they may be corns. See below.)
Treatment:
♦ Magical or household cures often get rid of warts.
But it is safer not to use strong acids or poisonous
plants, as these may cause burns or sores much
worse than the warts.
♦ Painful plantar warts sometimes can be removed
by a health worker.
♦ For warts on the penis or vagina, see p. 402.
CORNS
A corn is a hard, thick part of the skin. It forms where sandals or shoes push against
the skin, or one toe presses against another. Corns can be very painful.
Treatment:
♦ Get sandals or shoes that do not press on the corns.
♦ To make corns hurt less, do this:
1. Soak the foot in warm
water for 15 minutes.
2. With a file or rasp, trim down the
corn until it is thin.
3. Pad the foot around the corn so that
it will not press against the shoe or
another toe. Wrap the foot or toe in
a soft cloth to make a thick pad and
cut a hole around the corn.
rolls of
cotton
cotton or
cardboard