Is a corn the same as a callus?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on September 01, 2024
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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.

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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 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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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.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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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.

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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.