What is the Difference Between Corn and Wart?

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Corns and warts are both rough skin growths that can appear on hands and feet, causing pain and discomfort. However, they have distinct differences:

  • Causes: Warts are caused by a virus, specifically the human papillomavirus (HPV), while corns are caused by friction and pressure, often due to tight or loose shoes.
  • Appearance: Warts have a grainy, fleshly appearance with black pinpoints, while corns appear as raised, hard bumps surrounded by dry, flaky skin.
  • Location: Warts can appear anywhere on the body, while corns only appear on the feet.
  • Contagion: Warts are contagious, while corns are not.
  • Pain: Warts are more painful when squeezed, while corns are more painful when direct pressure is applied.

Treatment for warts and corns also differs. Warts often respond to over-the-counter salicylic acid solutions, while corns can be treated by addressing the cause of friction and pressure, such as wearing properly fitting shoes or using shoe inserts. In some cases, a podiatrist may need to treat corns by shaving down the thickened skin.

Comparative Table: Corn and Wart

Here is a table comparing the differences between corn and wart:

Feature Wart Corn
Causes Virus (HPV) Friction and pressure
Appearance Grainy, fleshly appearance with black pinpoints Hard, raised, and flaky
Pain Tender to the touch Painful when directly pushed
Location Can appear anywhere on the body Only appear on the feet
Contagious Yes No
Treatment Salicylic acid, microwave therapy, needling Pressure relief, corn pads, gentle removal

Warts and corns are both small, rough skin growths that can appear on hands and feet and are painful and tender to the touch. However, they have different causes, appearances, locations, and treatments. Warts are caused by a virus (HPV) and have a grainy, fleshly appearance with black pinpoints, while corns are caused by friction and pressure and have a hard, raised, and flaky appearance. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, while corns only appear on the feet. Warts are contagious, while corns are not. Treatment for warts often involves stimulating the immune system, whereas treatment for corns involves relieving pressure and gently removing the growth.