Differences between corns, calluses, and plantar warts

Corns, Calluses, and Plantar Warts: Key Differences

Although corns, calluses, and plantar warts often appear on the feet, they are not the same. Each has a unique cause, look, and treatment approach.

Corns

• What they are: Small, circular areas of hardened skin, usually found on or between the toes.

• Cause: Formed by repeated friction or pressure, often from tight or poorly fitted shoes.

• Appearance: A hard center surrounded by irritated skin; sensitive to touch.

• Symptoms: Painful when pressed or rubbed.

• Contagious? No.

Calluses

• What they are: Larger, flat patches of thickened skin that usually develop on weight-bearing spots like the soles, heels, or balls of the feet.

• Cause: Result from frequent pressure or rubbing, similar to corns, but they cover a wider area.

• Appearance: Rough, yellowish or pale in color, with a waxy surface. Less defined edges compared to corns.

• Symptoms: Normally painless, but can hurt if they become very thick.

• Contagious? No.

Plantar Warts

• What they are: Non-cancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They develop on weight-bearing areas of the feet.

• Cause: The virus enters through small breaks in the skin, sometimes under calluses.

• Appearance: May resemble calluses but contain small black dots (clotted blood vessels). They also disrupt natural skin lines and can occur alone or in clusters.

• Symptoms: Painful when walking or when squeezed from the sides.

• Contagious? Yes.

Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Corns	Calluses	Plantar Warts
Cause	Pressure/friction	Pressure/friction	HPV infection
Appearance	Small, round, hard center	Broad, thick, rough patches	Flat or raised with black dots, irregular
Pain	Painful with pressure	Rarely painful	Painful when pressed or walked on
Location	On or between toes	Soles, heels, balls of feet	Soles, heels, toes, under callus
Contagious	No	No	Yes

Why It Matters

Correct diagnosis is key. While corns and calluses are managed by easing pressure and protecting the skin, plantar warts spread through viral infection and often need medical treatment, such as antiviral care or professional removal.

At Foot Care Nursing With Gellis, my priority is your comfort and peace of mind. Let’s work together to keep your feet moving safely and confidently!

For appointments and more information, visit: https://www.footcarenursingwithgellis.com/.

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Gellis Jerome, Certified Foot Care Nurse for Seniors, Brampton & Greater Toronto Area

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