Understanding Corns, Callosity, and Viral Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Corns, Calluses, and Plantar Warts Explained

At Sharvari Hospital, we encounter a variety of skin conditions affecting the feet and hands. Among the most common are corns, callosities, and viral warts. While these conditions may look similar at first glance, they have different causes, symptoms, and treatment options. In this blog, we'll provide an overview of each condition, helping you understand how to manage them and when to seek medical care.

Corns, Callosity, or Viral Warts ?

Corns: What Are They?

Corns are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop due to constant pressure or friction, often caused by ill-fitting shoes or abnormal foot structure. Corns are typically smaller and more painful than calluses and have a hard core at the center, which can press into deeper tissue, causing discomfort. Corns usually appear on pressure points, such as the tops or sides of toes, or on the soles of the feet.

Symptoms of Corns:

• Small, rounded, raised, hardened skin.

• Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied.

• Located on or between toes or under the feet.

Treatment of Corns:

• Padding and cushioning: To reduce pressure on the corn.

• Trimming: A healthcare provider can carefully trim the corn to relieve pressure.

• Proper footwear: Wearing well-fitted shoes can help prevent future corn formation.

Callosity (Callus): What Is It?

A callosity, or callus, is a thickened area of skin that forms due to repeated friction or pressure over a broad area. Unlike corns, calluses are larger, flatter, and generally painless. They often develop on the heels, balls of the feet, and palms of the hands, especially in people who engage in activities that involve repetitive movements, such as walking, running, or manual labor.

Symptoms of Callosities:

• Thickened, rough patches of skin.

• Yellowish or grayish color.

• Typically painless unless the callus becomes very thick or cracked.

Treatment of Callosities:

• Moisturizing: Regularly moisturizing the skin can help keep it soft and prevent calluses from becoming too thick.

• Exfoliation: Using a pumice stone after soaking the feet can help reduce callus thickness.

• Proper footwear: Wearing well-fitting shoes with proper support can prevent calluses from forming.

  
  

Viral Warts: What Are They?

Viral warts, also known as plantar warts when they appear on the feet, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Unlike corns and calluses, warts are infectious and can spread to other areas of the skin or to other individuals through direct contact. Warts often have a rough, grainy texture and may have black dots on the surface, which are small clotted blood vessels. They can develop anywhere on the body but commonly appear on the hands and feet.

Symptoms of Viral Warts:

• Rough, grainy skin growth.

• Black pinpoints (clotted blood vessels) on the surface.

• Pain or tenderness, especially in weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet.

  
  

Treatment of Viral Warts:

• Topical treatments: Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid can help remove warts over time.

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen is a common method used by healthcare providers.

• Laser treatment: In some cases, laser therapy may be used to destroy wart tissue.

• Immune therapy: Some treatments work by boosting the body’s immune system to fight the virus.

  
  

How to Differentiate Between Corns, Callosities, and Warts

• Corns: Small, painful, and have a central core. Often appear in high-pressure areas such as the tops of toes.

• Callosities: Larger, painless, and appear on broader surfaces subjected to friction, like the soles of the feet.

• Viral Warts: Caused by a virus, have a rough surface with black dots, and can spread to other parts of the body.

  
  

Conclusion

While corns, callosities, and viral warts may all present as thickened areas of skin, they each have different causes and treatment approaches. If you are experiencing discomfort, pain, or persistent growths on your skin, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.

At Sharvari Hospital, we offer expert diagnosis and a range of treatments for these conditions, ensuring you receive the best care for your specific needs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. Let us help you keep your skin healthy and free from discomfort!