Verrucas and corns can sometimes look similar, particularly when they occur on pressure areas of the foot.  Both may appear as areas of thickened skin and can become uncomfortable when walking.  However, they are caused by very different conditions and require different treatments.

A verruca is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the outer layers of the skin. Because it is a viral infection, a verruca can spread to other areas of the foot or to other people.  A corn, on the other hand, is not caused by a virus.  Corns develop when the skin thickens in response to repeated pressure or friction, often from footwear or changes in foot biomechanics.

There are several ways we distinguish between the two conditions:

Appearance; Verrucas often appear as rough, irregular areas of skin with tiny black dots within them.  These dots are small blood vessels that supply the infected tissue.  Corns typically appear as small, round areas of hardened skin with a central core. They usually have a smoother appearance than verrucas.
Skin Lines: When examining the skin closely, the natural lines of the skin usually continue across a corn, whereas a verruca often interrupts or distorts these skin lines.
Pain Pattern: Corns tend to be painful when direct pressure is applied from above, such as when pressing directly down on the lesion.  Verrucas are often more painful when squeezed from the sides, due to the way the infected tissue sits within the skin.
The underlying cause is the key difference:
Verrucas are caused by a viral infection
Corns are caused by pressure and friction on the skin caused by the way ou walk
As the causes are different, the treatment approach also differs.

Why a Professional Diagnosis Is Important
Although verrucas and corns can look similar, treating them incorrectly can sometimes make the problem worse or delay healing.
We can examine the lesion and determine whether it is a verruca, corn or another type of skin condition.  Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the most appropriate treatment can be recommended.

At Callen Olive Podiatry, we regularly assess and treat a wide range of skin conditions affecting the feet, helping patients find the most effective treatment option for their situation.