Foot Warts and Corns are both common foot conditions that can cause discomfort, but they have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatment methods. At first glance they can look quite similar, and we often get patients whose GPs have incorrectly identified a foot wart as a corn, and vice versa!
All of our Podiatrists in Thornbury are professionally trained to correctly diagnose a foot wart or corn and treat them accordingly.
If you’re dealing with foot pain, it’s important to understand the difference between the two so you can find the right treatment. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how to understand and tell the difference between Corns & Foot Warts, and explore how to manage them effectively.
What Are Foot Warts?
Foot warts (also known as plantar warts or verrucae pedis) are small, hard growths that develop on the soles of your feet. They are caused by a viral infection from the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks, leading to the growth of warts. A common place to pick these up are from Swimming Pools or Public Showers & Gyms. Warts on the feet often have a rough, grainy appearance and can be painful, especially when pressure is applied while walking or standing. They can be a hard & raised bump & often have a black dot in the middle.
Symptoms of Foot Warts:
- Small, rough growths on the soles of the feet.
- Black dots in the centre (caused by blood vessels).
- Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied.
- Skin around the wart may be thickened or calloused.
Treatment for Foot Warts:
- Over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid.
- Cryotherapy (freezing the wart off).
- Minor surgery or laser treatment (if the wart is persistent).
What Are Corns?
Corns are areas of thickened skin that form on the feet due to repeated friction or pressure. They commonly develop on the top or side of the toes or on the soles of the feet. Corns are often caused by ill-fitting shoes, walking barefoot, or using improperly fitted orthotics. Unlike warts, corns are not caused by a virus, but they are the body’s way of protecting itself from irritation.
Symptoms of Corns:
- Hard, raised, round bumps on the toes or feet.
- Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied, especially while wearing shoes.
- A thick, yellowish or white appearance.
- Soft corns may develop between the toes, often painful due to moisture.
Treatment for Corns:
- Wear well-fitting shoes to reduce friction.
- Use cushioned pads or insoles.
- Soaking feet to soften the corn, then gently removing it with a pumice stone.
- In severe cases, seeing a Podiatrist for professional treatment. They can shave them off!
Key Differences Between Foot Warts and Corns
| Feature | Foot Warts | Corns |
| Cause | Viral infection (HPV) | Friction and pressure (ill-fitting shoes, repetitive stress) |
| Appearance | Small, rough, grainy growths with black dots | Thickened, raised areas of skin, often with a yellowish hue |
| Location | Typically on the soles of feet | Usually on toes or soles of the feet, depending on pressure points |
| Pain | Pain when pressure is applied | Pain from rubbing or pressure, especially when walking |
| Treatment | Topical treatments (salicylic acid), cryotherapy | Proper footwear, soaking, and gentle removal with pumice stone |
How to Prevent Foot Warts and Corns
Preventing Foot Warts:
- Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like swimming pools or gyms where the virus can spread.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- If you have cuts or scratches on your feet, cover them with a bandage to prevent HPV infection.
Preventing Corns:
- Choose well-fitting shoes that provide enough room for your toes.
- Avoid tight shoes or high heels that increase pressure on certain areas of the foot.
- Use cushioned insoles to reduce friction and pressure.
In Summary:
If you are looking for a quick answer for the difference between a corn vs a foot wart = A foot wart typically has a rough, grainy texture with small black dots in the center, while a corn is usually thicker, harder, and has a smooth, raised appearance, often with a defined edge.
Both foot warts and corns are treatable, but understanding the differences between them is key to choosing the right treatment. If you are unsure about your condition or if home treatments aren’t effective, it’s always best to consult with a Podiatrist to ensure you get the appropriate care.
If you are still having trouble differentiating between corns & foot warts, or need help treating them, its time to see one of our Podiatrists in Thornbury. You can book wart removal or book corn removal appointments by booking online or calling 9480 4935.