Plantar Warts vs. Corns: How to Tell the Difference and Find Relief
When you notice a painful bump on the bottom of your foot, you might assume it’s a common callus or corn. However, plantar warts can often be mistaken for corns due to their similar appearance. While both conditions cause discomfort and thickened skin, they vary in causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the differences can help you take the right steps toward relief.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the outer layer of skin. The virus enters through small cuts or weak spots in the skin, leading to the development of rough, grainy growths. Plantar warts often appear on weight-bearing areas like the heels or balls of the feet, where pressure can cause them to grow inward, making them especially painful.
Key Characteristics of Plantar Warts:
Caused by a viral infection (HPV)
Rough, grainy texture with small black dots (clotted blood vessels) “Cauliflower appearance”
May grow inward due to pressure from walking or standing
Often painful when squeezed from the sides can spread to other areas of the foot or even to other people
What Are Corns?
Corns, on the other hand, are not caused by a virus but rather by repeated friction and pressure. They develop as the skin thickens to protect itself from irritation, often from poorly fitting shoes, repetitive movements or poor biomechanics. Corns are common on the tops and sides of toes, as well as on weight-bearing areas of the feet.
Key Characteristics of Corns:
Caused by friction and pressure, not a virus
Thickened, hardened skin with a central core
Typically found on bony areas of the feet and toes
Painful when pressed directly, especially over the core
Do not spread or multiply
How to Tell the Difference
While both plantar warts and corns can cause discomfort and thickened skin, there are a few ways to distinguish between them.
Look for black dots: Plantar warts often contain small black pinpoints (clotted blood vessels), while corns do not.
Check the pain pattern: Warts are usually more painful when squeezed from the sides, whereas corns hurt most when pressed directly.
Assess the cause: If the growth developed after prolonged pressure or friction from shoes, it’s more likely to be a corn. If it appeared spontaneously, it may be a wart.
Spread: Plantar warts can multiply and spread, whereas corns remain localised.
Podiatry Treatment Options
Treating Plantar Warts
Since plantar warts are caused by a virus, treatment aims to eliminate the wart while boosting the body’s immune response. Options include:
Careful debridement of lesion.
Application of topical agent to stimulate immune response
Laser therapy or minor surgical removal in stubborn cases
Keeping feet clean and dry to prevent spread
Treating Corns
The best way to treat corns is by addressing the underlying cause of friction and pressure. Options include:
Enucleation and debridement of corn
Wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate toe space
Using protective pads or cushions
Avoiding repetitive friction on affected areas
If you or a family member are concerned about Plantar Warts or Corns, here at Relief Podiatry we can help to accurately diagnose and treat your painful skin lesions with a customised approach.
Chat with one of our Podiatrists today!
