Why do corns keep increasing in number as they grow?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on March 06, 2025
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Corns growing in number and size is usually linked to wearing tight shoes and compression. They are also related to localized friction and irritation. Another possibility to consider when corns multiply is an infection caused by human papillomavirus resulting in plantar warts, which are similar in appearance to corns. Plantar warts are somewhat contagious and can also arise when the immune system is weakened. If your corns are increasing in number, it is important to promptly visit a dermatologist at a reputable hospital. Once a clear diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment options may include carbon dioxide laser therapy or cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen. If you are experiencing frequent corns, it is essential to wear loose-fitting shoes with soft soles, minimize walking, and avoid sitting for long periods.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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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.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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The difference between corns and calluses

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.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Corns are treated in which department?

Corn is a relatively common condition. If you suffer from corns, it is recommended to consult dermatology or surgery for treatment. Corns are mainly caused by prolonged standing, or by wearing shoes that do not fit properly or are too tight. They usually appear individually. It is advised to seek treatment promptly at the dermatology or surgery department of a hospital. The primary treatment involves topical medications, but methods like laser or cryotherapy can also be employed.

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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.

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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.