The difference between corns and calluses

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on March 31, 2025
00:00
00:00

Corn and calluses have obvious differences, as these two conditions arise from different mechanisms. Corns are what we commonly refer to as ordinary warts, which are caused by viral infections. Such viral infections are typically related directly to a decline in one's immune system, leading to the disease. The usual presentation is a change on the surface of the skin, generally appearing as tumor-like. On the other hand, calluses do not protrude on the surface and are mostly caused by local pressure and other similar factors. This condition has little to do with viral infections. Nevertheless, the treatment methods for these two conditions are quite similar. For example, they can be removed through laser surgery or treated using certain ointments to achieve healing effects. (The use of medications should be guided by 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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
53sec home-news-image

What will a worsening corn turn into?

Severe deterioration of corns usually affects walking. When corns appear, treatment options include using corn ointment, choosing carbon dioxide laser treatment, or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Corns mainly result from prolonged compression and friction of the soft tissues of the sole, leading to this skin condition and causing localized pain. If corns develop, it is important to rest and avoid standing or walking for long periods. Also, avoid wearing shoes with very hard soles to prevent the recurrence of corns. When dealing with corns, soaking the feet in warm water to promote blood circulation and prevent the thickening of the skin can be beneficial. Diet-wise, it is advisable to choose low-fat foods.

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 Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
56sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
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.