Verruca or Corn: Spot the Difference

Verruca or Corn: Spot the Difference

Introduction: Not All Foot Lumps Are the Same

You’ve spotted something on your foot. It’s small, hard, and uncomfortable—but is it a corn or a verruca?

These two common foot problems often get confused because they can look (and feel) surprisingly similar. But knowing the difference is essential to getting the right treatment and finally stepping out of discomfort.

Let’s break it down!

What is a Verruca?

A verruca is a type of wart that develops on the sole of the foot. It’s caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Key signs of a verruca:

• 🦠 Caused by a viral infection (HPV)

• 🎯 Often has small black dots (clotted blood vessels) visible inside

• 🌱 May appear in clusters (called mosaic warts)

• 🦶 Feels painful when pinched from the sides rather than direct pressure

Verrucas thrive in warm, moist environments—like communal showers, gyms, or swimming pools.

What is a Corn?

A corn is a thickened area of skin that develops due to repeated pressure or friction. Unlike verrucas, corns are not caused by a virus—they’re your body’s way of protecting itself.

Key signs of a corn:

• 🔄 Caused by friction or pressure (e.g. tight shoes)

• 🎯 Feels like walking on a pebble

• 🚶‍♂️ Painful under direct pressure

• 💡 Has a hard, central core of dead skin

Corns are especially common over bony areas or areas that rub against footwear.

How to Spot the Difference

Feature Verruca Corn

Cause Viral Infection (HPV) Pressure & Friction

Appearance Small black dots, rough surfaces Hard, raised bump with central core

Pain Type Pain when pinched side-by-side Pain under direct pressure

Location Soles of the feet Tops or sides of toes, or weight-bearing areas

Spread Can spread to other areas Localised, doesn't spread

🔎 Top Tip: If you see black dots and it feels spongy when squeezed from the sides—it’s likely a verruca!

Why Does It Matter?

Knowing whether it’s a corn or a verruca is crucial because the treatments are different.

• 🦠 Verrucas may need targeted treatments like cryotherapy, acid applications, or laser therapy to destroy the virus.

• 🦶 Corns require pressure relief, footwear changes, professional removal, and skin care.

Getting the diagnosis wrong could mean weeks of ineffective treatment!

Treatment Options

For Verrucas:

• Topical treatments (acid-based creams)

• Cryotherapy (freezing the verruca)

• Swift Microwave Therapy (used at We Fix Feet)

• Keep feet dry and protected in communal areas

For Corns:

• Professional debridement (removal of the hard skin)

• Custom orthotics to offload pressure points

• Footwear advice to reduce friction

• Moisturising and skin care routines

📞 Unsure? Book an appointment at We Fix Feet: Call 0115 9328832 or visit www.wefixfeet.co.uk for expert diagnosis and tailored treatment.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Play the Guessing Game

Whether it’s a verruca or a corn, both can make every step uncomfortable—but they don’t have to!

Spotting the signs early and getting the right treatment makes all the difference.

🚶‍♂️ Take care of your feet, and they’ll take you wherever you want to go—pain free!