Do I have a Corn or Wart? How to Tell the Difference.
- My Family Podiatry
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
When you notice a painful or uncomfortable growth on your foot, it can be challenging to determine whether it’s a corn or a wart. While they may look similar at first glance, corns and warts are distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding these differences is essential for choosing the right treatment and preventing further complications.
What Is a Corn?
A corn is a small, hardened area of skin that develops due to repeated friction or pressure. It often forms on the tops or sides of toes or the soles of the feet, particularly in areas that experience high pressure from tight footwear.
Key Characteristics of Corns:
Cause
Friction and pressure from footwear or foot structure.
Appearance
Round or cone-shaped with a hard center surrounded by callused skin.
Pain
Corns are most painful when direct pressure is applied to the center.
Location
Commonly found on weight-bearing areas like the soles, toes, or sides of the feet.
Treatment
Corns are usually treated by removing the hardened skin with a scalpel (don’t try this at home!), reducing pressure through changing footwear or the use of orthotics.
What Is a Wart?
Warts are lesion caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and result from an infection in the skin. They often appear on the soles of the feet (plantar warts) but can occur anywhere on the body.
Key Characteristics of Warts:
Cause
HPV infection, often contracted in communal areas like swimming pools or gyms.
Appearance
Rough texture with tiny black dots. Warts interrupt normal skin lines and may have a “cauliflower-like” appearance.
Pain
Warts are more painful when squeezed from the sides rather than pressed directly.
Contagiousness
Warts can spread through direct contact or shared surfaces, it’s important to check other members of your family if you notice a wart on yourself or your child.
Treatment
Treatments include removal with a scalpel (again, don’t try this at home!) and the application of salicylic acid or cryotherapy (freezing). Everyone responds differently to treatment and warts often require multiple sessions for complete removal.
How to Differentiate Between a Corn and a Wart
If you’re unsure whether you have a corn or a wart, it’s best to consult a Podiatrist. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment—using acids meant for warts on corns can damage healthy skin, while filing down warts can cause them to spread. A Podiatrist can provide:
Accurate diagnosis using visual inspection and a dermascope.
Tailored treatment plans for either condition.
Preventive advice to avoid recurrence.
While both corns and warts can cause discomfort, their causes and treatments differ significantly. If in doubt, always consult with a Podiatrist for proper diagnosis and care. If you think you may have a corn or a wart get in touch with us at My Family Podiatry or book a consult online via our website.
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