Plantar Wart Removal: You Need to Know the Difference from Corns

It is common for warts to develop in areas of the sole that are under constant pressure. Because this is a condition caused by a virus, it can recur and can also be transmitted to other people. That is why it is important to receive wart treatment carefully and thoroughly to the very end. However, many people mistake it for a corn and manage it incorrectly, so I’d like to organize and share the correct information.

An abnormal symptom on the sole of the foot, perhaps?

In the early stage when a wart first appears, it may look like a small dot or bump. The skin may feel slightly hardened or rough, and there may be discomfort or mild pain when pressed lightly. From the outside, a wart can also look like a grayish or yellowish callus containing small black dots. These black dots are a characteristic sign that appears as a result of blood vessels inside the wart hardening.

Once the wart has progressed further, the symptoms become more noticeable. As it grows larger, the pain may become more severe every time you walk or stand, and it may feel as if a small stone is stuck in the sole of your foot. The skin thickens and may spread outward, and in severe cases, inflammation or bleeding may also occur.

What is the difference between a corn and a wart?

Warts and corns are easy to confuse because they look similar. Both can appear like calluses on the sole and can cause pain. However, their causes and characteristics are different. Corns usually develop as the skin thickens due to ongoing pressure or friction, and they are not related to a virus. Warts, on the other hand, occur when the HPV virus enters the skin. Corns often have a hard core in the center.

Warts are contagious and can spread to surrounding areas if touched or scratched, but corns are not contagious. What you should be careful about is mistaking a wart for a corn and then scraping or tearing it at home. This can cause the wart to spread further, so for an accurate diagnosis, it is recommended that you visit a dermatologist.

Plantar wart removal, how is it done?

At a dermatology clinic, warts are treated in various ways. One widely known treatment is cryotherapy. This method destroys the tissue by freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen and is relatively simple. Another method is laser treatment. By using a laser to burn or remove the wart tissue, this approach has the advantage of allowing precise treatment. Surgical excision is also possible and is mainly considered when the wart is large or deeply rooted. These methods are chosen depending on the size and condition of the wart, so it is important to find the one that suits you.

Let’s prevent warts

Warts are a contagious viral disease, so they can easily spread through person-to-person contact or through objects. In particular, plantar warts are more likely to be contracted in places where people go barefoot, such as public showers, swimming pools, and gyms. The possibility of recurrence should not be ignored either. Even after treatment, the virus that remained in the skin may become active again, or the wart may recur if immunity declines. To help prevent this, it is a good idea to avoid going barefoot and to make a habit of wearing slippers or shoes in public facilities. It is also important to keep your feet clean and dry at all times.

This is because a humid environment creates conditions in which the virus can multiply easily. Also, do not share other people’s shoes or towels, and if you suspect a wart, do not touch it right away; it is wise to have it checked by a dermatologist. A balanced diet and enough sleep also help strengthen immunity.