A corn and a verruca can look very similar, so it’s no surprise that many people confuse them. Both can cause discomfort when walking and both often appear as areas of hard skin. However, they have very different causes and require different treatments.
What is a verruca?
A verruca is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks, usually on the sole of the foot.
Verrucas are more common in places where people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools, leisure centres, communal showers and changing rooms. Because they are caused by a virus, they can spread from person to person.
As the virus affects the skin, it creates a thick layer of hard skin over the top. This is one of the reasons why a verruca is often mistaken for a corn.
Some verrucas also have tiny black dots inside them. These are small blood vessels and are a common sign that the lesion is a verruca rather than a corn.
What is a corn?
A corn is not caused by a virus. Instead, it develops because of repeated pressure or friction on the skin. This can happen when:
– Shoes rub against a certain area of the foot.
– Toes rub together.
– High-pressure areas develop when walking.
The skin responds by building up a small, concentrated area of hard skin to protect itself. Unlike a verruca, a corn is not contagious and cannot spread to other people.
How are they treated?
Because they have different causes, the treatment is different too.
Verrucas may be treated with acids, cryotherapy (freezing), needling or other treatments that destroy the infected tissue and encourage the body’s immune system to clear the virus. Some verrucas disappear on their own, although this can take many months or even years.
Corns can usually be removed by a podiatrist, giving immediate relief from discomfort. However, if the pressure or friction remains, the corn is likely to come back. Long-term treatment focuses on reducing the cause, which may involve changing footwear, using padding or insoles, or addressing the way the foot functions.
When should you see a podiatrist?
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a corn and a verruca just by looking at it. Treating the wrong condition may not solve the problem and could even make it worse.
If you have a painful area on your foot that isn’t improving, a podiatrist can diagnose the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
At Randell’s Footcare, we can identify whether you have a corn, a verruca or another skin condition, and help you find the most effective treatment to keep you comfortable and active.
