CORN VS WART
This article was prompted by a sudden spike of patients we saw who were confused about these two conditions. We want to cut through the many confusing articles online which adds to the cloud of confusion. So here goes!
Wart
Corn
Same Same…
BUT DIFFERENT!
Looks and feels like a lump/bump on the foot — same same, but different!
| Aspect | Corn | Wart |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | More circular | Cluster of small bumps, irregularly shaped |
| Colour | Yellowish in colour when it is dry | Pale-coloured, more white than yellow |
| Surface | No black dots, has smooth skin lines | Dry, crusty surface with small black dots, no skin lines |
| More than 1 on the foot? | Appears one at a time in the same region | Can be more than one in close proximity to each other |
| Spreading | Does not spread, no small “baby growths” near it | Can spread to surrounding skin and grow smaller lumps around |
| Pain | More painful if you press it | More painful when you squeeze it |
| Bleeding when trimmed | No bleeding when you trim it — though there’s a “hard root” you can’t seem to dig out at home | Bleeds profusely when you trim it |
| Recurrence after removal | The root can be removed by a podiatrist but it will always grow back after a period of time if there is pressure to the area | Once the “root” is removed, the wart will not return unless there is a recurrence |
| Treatment | Treated via sharps debridement regularly | Average of 4–8 weekly sessions of debridement, application of acid and cryotherapy — if not treated at these weekly to 10-day intervals, the “root” won’t fully clear and the wart will grow back |
Warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The virus hides within, divides and replicate within human cells . The virus attacks the skin through direct contact, entering through possibly tiny cuts and abrasions in the outermost layer of skin.
Photo of a Wart
After infection, warts may not become visible for several weeks or months until it grows big enough to pinch on the underlying nerves to cause pain or discomfort. Treatment varies. At Physio & Sole Clinic, we engage in sharps debridement and the application of concentrated salicyclic acid and cryotherapy, which is the most effective evidence-based practice in treating warts.
Corns are specially-shaped callus of dead skin. Corns and calluses generally form when the skin tries to protect an underlying area from injury, pressure or rubbing.
Still unsure whether the lesion under your feet is a wart or a corn? We can verify it. Feel free to snap a photo of the affected area and send it to us by Whatsapp. Just click on the button below!
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