What is the difference between a viral wart and a corn?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 30, 2024
00:00
00:00

Viral warts and corns, though similar in appearance, have significant differences. In terms of cause, viral warts are caused by an infection of the human papillomavirus and are contagious. Corns, on the other hand, are not contagious and are caused by long-term pressure, friction, or tight shoes. In terms of treatment, corns can often be cured through laser treatment or medication. Viral warts need to be treated with antiviral medications, along with physical treatment methods such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
52sec home-news-image

Are corns the same as calluses?

A corn is actually what is commonly referred to as a typical wart, and this type of common wart is actually caused by a viral infection. When the body's immune system is weakened, such an infection can occur, and it generally has a slight possibility of contagion. Most of the time, treatment of these warts involves localized injections of antiviral medication, or through methods such as laser surgery, which can achieve improvement. On the other hand, a callus is a type of localized proliferative condition, and although it may be caused by a viral infection, the likelihood of it being caused by localized pressure or irritation is greater. Typically, this condition can be improved through physical therapy methods, such as using topical medications to remove it, or by using laser surgery locally as a complementary treatment, achieving better outcomes.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
43sec home-news-image

Is a corn the same as a callus?

Skin tags are not corns, as skin tags are a type of common wart caused by a viral infection, often related to local pressure or injury, but the two conditions have different factors. Corns are more likely to be caused by a fungal infection, while skin tags are more likely associated with viral infections. Skin tags are mainly related to issues with the immune system. The appearance of skin tags can also be influenced by external factors such as local pressure, friction, and injury. The treatment methods for these conditions are similar, yet this does not mean they are the same disease. It is necessary to understand the different mechanisms and causes of each condition and then address them with appropriate treatment methods.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
36sec home-news-image

Is a corn the same as a callus?

Skin tags are not the same as corns; they are two completely different conditions. Skin tags generally refer to abnormally proliferating tissue at the nail area, and also commonly refer to warts. Corns usually result from localized abnormal friction, causing proliferative growth of the soft tissue, typically located on the sole of the foot. Skin tags and common warts can also occur on the bottom of the feet, but skin tags usually appear as proliferative, tumor-like protrusions on the surface of the skin, whereas corns generally do not protrude above the surface of the skin.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
46sec home-news-image

Do corns that don't hurt need to be treated?

Corns are mostly caused by the entry of foreign objects into the skin locally, followed by hyperplasia formed through repeated friction, generally appearing as wedge-shaped on the surface of the skin. If corns are not treated, they might gradually grow larger or increase in size, causing pain during long-term walking. Even if there is no pain temporarily, treatment is still necessary. It is advised to go to the dermatology department of a regular hospital for surgical removal or use liquid nitrogen freezing. This condition can be prevented from recurring by paying attention to one’s walking posture, shoe-wearing habits, and avoiding stepping on dirty things. Regular exercise to strengthen immunity and avoiding walking barefoot are also beneficial.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
45sec home-news-image

The difference between a corn and a callus.

Corn and calluses actually have fundamental differences. A corn is a type of common wart, which is essentially a viral infection. This type of infection is somewhat similar to plantar warts, usually occurring on the sole of the foot. Although both conditions are more likely to occur on the sole, common warts typically manifest as protruding bumps on the surface, whereas calluses are not protruding and the skin in the affected area is relatively smooth. Thus, one can determine the type of condition based on these surface appearances. However, both conditions share commonalities such as being caused by viral infections. Additionally, common warts generally have a darker color, while calluses are more translucent.