Are corns and calluses the same thing?

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on September 28, 2024
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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 Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Can corns be treated with corn plaster?

Corns themselves are caused by viral infections, and medically they are referred to as corns. Thus, they can be improved through medication. Corns also represent a type of local skin proliferation, so if you want to completely remove them, specific treatment is necessary to make improvements. Medications can achieve certain therapeutic effects, but it is relatively easy for them to recur after treatment. Therefore, in daily life, it is important to specifically enhance immunity, then avoid repeated outbreaks and local pressure to prevent recurrence. In everyday life, you can also go to a hospital or a specialized foot care center for specific local treatment. Complete cure is necessary to avoid repeated issues as much as possible. Additionally, once immunity is improved, the chances of recurrence will decrease.

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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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The difference between corns and calluses.

Firstly, a corn is a type of common wart, and it actually has clear differences from a callus. Common warts generally occur on the soles of the feet, or on the proliferative protruding surface, typically characterized by specific manifestations. In such cases, there usually are also prominent manifestations, and these conditions can also cause some minor pain. On the other hand, calluses are completely the opposite of corns. The surface of a callus is generally not protruding, meaning the skin is flat and usually quite smooth. In this respect, there is a fundamental difference on the surface. Moreover, calluses can potentially be caused by local compression factors. As for corns, they are usually caused by lowered immunity. That is, viral infections are what lead to the problem of corns.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Differentiation between Corns and Plantar Warts

Corns and plantar warts are two different skin conditions, although both often occur on the feet, they have significant differences. First, corns and plantar warts differ in contagion and quantity. Generally, corns appear singly and are not contagious; while plantar warts often appear in larger numbers and are highly contagious. Moreover, corns are usually caused by pressure or friction on the feet, whereas plantar warts are caused by a viral infection of the skin on the soles of the feet.