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 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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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 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 Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Can corn plasters be used for warts?

Warts are commonly caused by a viral infection and are a type of common wart. These warts can be removed or improved through physical treatments or medications, such as laser or cryotherapy. Using corn plasters can also be effective in these cases. Because the affected area is stimulated, there might be a noticeable change. If this change can be effectively managed, it can lead to successful treatment. Corn plasters can achieve this therapeutic effect. Although corn plasters are not highly specific, they do have some therapeutic effects. Furthermore, it is advisable to enhance the immune system. Specific antiviral treatments can be more effective and can be combined with other methods to judge and treat the condition. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.