Corns and verrucas both cause hard, painful spots on the feet, so it's easy to mix them up. They have very different causes though, and they're treated differently, so it's worth knowing which you've got.
What causes them
A corn is caused by pressure or friction, often from shoes. The skin thickens to protect itself and forms a hard core that presses inwards. A verruca is caused by a virus (a type of wart) that gets into the skin, usually through a tiny cut or a soft, wet patch.
How they look and feel
- Corns are usually on the tops or sides of toes, or on pressure points under the foot. They're often round with a smooth, hard centre and hurt when pressed directly.
- Verrucas are usually on the sole. They often have tiny black dots and the skin lines go around them rather than through them. They tend to hurt more when squeezed from the sides.
Why it matters
Using a verruca treatment on a corn won't help, and can irritate the skin. Removing a corn without changing your footwear means it's likely to come back. If you're not sure which you have, we can take a look and explain.
How we can help
We gently remove corns and calluses and give you advice on footwear and padding. For verrucas, we check it's definitely a verruca, gently reduce the hard skin over it and start a treatment that suits, with a simple plan to follow at home.
Quick answers
Can a corn turn into a verruca?
No. They have different causes, although you can have both at the same time.
Can I treat a corn with plasters?
Medicated corn plasters can damage healthy skin, so take care, and avoid them completely if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
Is it worth getting it checked?
Yes, especially if it's painful, growing or you're not sure what it is.