How to Differentiate Between a Verruca and a Corn

When you notice a small, rough patch on your foot, it can be confusing to figure out whether it is a verruca or a corn. Both conditions affect the skin on your feet and can cause discomfort, but they have different causes and treatments. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right care and avoid unnecessary pain.

This guide will help you identify whether you have a verruca or a corn by explaining their characteristics, causes, symptoms, and treatment options. By the end, you will feel more confident in recognizing these common foot problems and knowing when to seek professional advice.

Close-up of a verruca on the sole of a foot

What Is a Verruca?

A verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is a small growth caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It usually appears on the soles of the feet and can spread if left untreated. Verrucas are contagious and can be picked up in places like swimming pools, gyms, or communal showers.

Key Features of Verrucas

• Appearance: Rough, grainy surface with tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) inside.

• Location: Commonly on weight-bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot.

• Pain: Can be painful when squeezed from the sides or when walking.

• Texture: Hard but with a slightly raised surface.

• Spread: Can multiply or cluster, forming mosaic warts.

  
  

How Verrucas Develop

The virus enters the skin through small cuts or breaks. The immune system may eventually clear the infection, but this can take months or even years. Some people are more prone to verrucas due to weakened immunity or frequent exposure to the virus.

What Is a Corn?

A corn is a thickened area of skin that develops due to repeated pressure or friction. It is a protective response by the skin to prevent damage. Corns often form on toes or other bony areas where shoes rub against the skin.

Key Features of Corns

• Appearance: Small, round, and hard with a central core.

• Location: Usually on the tops and sides of toes or on the sole near toes.

• Pain: Sharp pain when direct pressure is applied.

• Texture: Hard and dense, often surrounded by inflamed skin.

• Cause: Mechanical irritation from tight shoes, abnormal gait, or foot deformities.

  
  

How Corns Develop

Repeated pressure causes the skin to thicken and harden. Over time, the core of the corn presses into deeper layers, causing discomfort. Unlike verrucas, corns are not caused by infection and are not contagious.

How to Tell the Difference

Knowing the differences between verrucas and corns can help you decide on the best treatment. Here are some practical tips to distinguish them:

| Feature | Verruca | Corn |

|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|

| Cause | Viral infection (HPV) | Pressure or friction |

| Surface | Rough, grainy with black dots | Smooth, hard with a central core |

| Location | Sole of foot, weight-bearing areas | Toes, sides of feet, bony prominences |

| Pain | Pain when squeezed from sides | Pain when direct pressure applied |

| Skin lines disruption | Skin lines interrupted by wart growth | Skin lines continue through the corn |

| Spread | Can spread or cluster | Does not spread |

Simple Tests You Can Try

• Skin lines test: Look closely at the skin lines around the spot. If the lines are broken or interrupted, it is likely a verruca. If the lines continue uninterrupted, it is probably a corn.

• Pinch test: Gently squeeze the spot from the sides. Verrucas often hurt when pinched sideways, while corns hurt more when pressed directly.

• Black dots: Check for tiny black dots inside the lesion. These dots are common in verrucas but absent in corns.

  
  

When to See a Podiatrist

If you are unsure whether you have a verruca or a corn, or if the lesion is painful, spreading, or not improving with home care, consult a HCPC registered Podiatrist. A podiatrist or dermatologist can provide a diagnosis and recommend treatment.

Seek medical advice if:

• The lesion bleeds or changes appearance.

• Pain interferes with walking or daily activities.

• You have diabetes or poor circulation.

• Home treatments have not worked after several weeks.

  
  

Treatment Options for Verrucas

Treating verrucas can be challenging because the virus can persist in the skin. Some verrucas disappear on their own, but treatment can speed up healing and reduce discomfort.

Common Treatments I perform

• Silver nitrate. This can be applied after the Verruca is reduced in size using a scapel. The silver nitrate is a mild caustic which can destroy the Verruca virus.

• Verrutop: This is a liquid applied to the verruca every week or every two weeks for up to 6 weeks. You need to apply surgical spirit twice daily. The liquid works by preventing the DNA in the verruca from multiplying

• Zinc Oxide tape: Covering the verruca with tape to irritate the skin and stimulate the immune. The tape also makes the skin very wet. When the skin is wet, the verruca is not able to survive in the environment

• Verruca needling: Numbing the foot and introducing the verruca into deeper dermal layers to stimulate an immune response.

  
  

Home Care Tips

• Keep feet clean and dry.

• Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas.

• Do not pick or scratch the verruca to prevent spreading.

• Use protective padding to reduce pressure.

  
  

Treatment Options for Corns

Corns respond well to reducing pressure and protecting the skin. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and preventing recurrence.

Common Treatments

• Footwear changes: Wear well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box.

• Padding: Use corn pads or cushions to protect the area.

• Moisturizing: Apply creams to soften thickened skin.

• Trimming: A podiatrist can carefully remove the hard skin.

• Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts to correct foot mechanics.

  
  

Home Care Tips

• Avoid tight or high-heeled shoes.

• Soak feet in warm water to soften corns before gently filing.

• Keep feet moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking.

• Use protective pads to reduce friction.

  
  

Preventing Verrucas and Corns

Prevention is easier than treatment. Here are some ways to reduce your risk:

• Wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers and pool areas.

• Keep feet clean and dry.

• Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes.

• Use protective pads on pressure points.

• Avoid sharing towels or footwear.

• Inspect feet regularly for early signs of problems.

  
  

Understanding When Self-Care Is Enough

Many verrucas and corns can be managed at home with simple care. However, persistent or painful lesions require professional attention. Early treatment can prevent complications and improve comfort.

If you notice changes in size, color, or pain level, or if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes, do not delay seeing a healthcare provider.