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

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 30, 2024
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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)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
57sec home-news-image

What causes corns on the soles of the feet?

Corns are mostly caused by the prolonged and repeated friction and compression of a foreign object that has entered the skin, resulting in a hyperproliferative lesion. They are generally small and can be completely treated with common corn ointments. However, if a corn has been present for a long time and has grown larger, it is recommended to seek treatment at a formal hospital's dermatology department using the method of liquid nitrogen freezing, which usually resolves the issue in one or two sessions. Some corns can become larger and may be painful or show signs of inflammation and infection. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a surgical or dermatology department for a minor minimally invasive surgery to completely remove it. When wearing shoes, it is essential to choose loose and soft-soled footwear, and avoid walking barefoot on surfaces to prevent foreign objects from entering and causing the recurrence of corns.

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Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
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Why do corns form on the feet?

Corns on the feet are caused by long-term compression or friction, leading to excessive proliferation of the stratum corneum and thickening of the stratum corneum. Corns commonly occur in adults, particularly in women, and are frequently found on pressure-bearing areas such as the feet, soles, the inner edges of the big toe, the outer sides of the little toes, as well as the heels and tips of the toes which are areas of friction and pressure. The skin lesions are clearly defined, either light yellow or deep yellow in color, shaped like a cone with a smooth and slightly raised surface. Because they compress the peripheral nerves in the dermis, walking or when pressure is applied, the pain is quite noticeable.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Are corns and calluses the same thing?

Corns and calluses are generally different diseases. Generally speaking, corns are caused by long-term local compression and friction. In this case, it will lead to thickening changes in the stratum corneum, so it is relatively easy for this problem to occur on the soles of the feet. Warts, on the other hand, are a type of common wart caused by viral infection. This means that infections are more likely to occur when the body's immunity is low. Of course, this is also directly related to local discomfort or compression problems. However, there is an essential difference between the two diseases. Nevertheless, the general direction or principle of treatment for both diseases is similar, mainly involving local excision methods. Additionally, appropriate use of antivirals, or treatments such as laser therapy or cryotherapy, can also achieve the purpose of treatment and improvement.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What is a corn like?

Corns are a common skin disease, closely related to prolonged standing or constant friction and compression under the feet. Corns consist of a hyperkeratosis forming a circular or oval, yellowish appearance. They generally cause severe pain once they develop, and prompt treatment is necessary. This can include the use of topical medications or physical therapy methods, such as laser treatment.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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The difference between plantar warts and corns

Toe warts and corns are both skin diseases that occur on the feet, but they are entirely different diseases, and many people easily confuse toe warts with corns. First, the causes of toe warts and corns are different. The occurrence of corns is greatly related to compression and friction, while toe warts are mainly caused by viral infections due to reasons such as low immunity. Secondly, their contagiousness is different; corns are not contagious, while toe warts are highly contagious.