People often confuse plantar warts and corns because
they look so similar and also appear in the same areas
of the feet. Even doctors sometimes find it difficult
to make a diagnosis. However, planter
warts and corns are completely different. Although
warts can appear all over the body, corns are only
found on the feet.
The main differences between plantar warts and corns are in location, appearance and number. Planter warts mainly occur on the heel and the ball of the foot or the underside of the big toe. Corns usually occur between and on top of the toes. However, occasionally they can also appear on the ball and the heel. The appearance of a wart will have dry, crusty surface with tiny black dots deep inside while the corn will have a surface which is thick and callused and there will be no black dots. The warts often develop in clusters while corns are always single but may be found in several different areas on the same foot. Finally, warts are contagious but corns are not.
Corns
Corns usually appear when a prominent bone in the foot presses against the inside of your shoe. The pressure causes the skin to thicken just at that point making a hard surface. This hard surface then becomes the core of the corn which penetrates deep into the foot. The corn becomes cone-shaped with the point facing inward which in turn presses on the nerves. This can become very uncomfortable and feels as if you are walking with a stone in your shoe.
It is advisable to avoid wearing shoes that have narrow toes or high heels. Shoes with cushioned soles and soft upper liners are a good idea. Thicker socks or even two sets of socks may be helpful if they do not then make the shoes too tight.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are often passed on when walking barefooted on communal surfaces such as public swimming pools and showers. They are caused by viruses called human papilloma viruses and are infectious. Direct contact with these viruses can infect your skin through a scratch. The virus then grows inward, causing thickening and damage to the skin and the appearance of warts.
Wart viruses are difficult to avoid because they are everywhere but to minimize contact, it is advisable to wear thongs or other footwear at public pools and when using locker rooms and public showers.
Resources
* www.quickcare.org
* www.kidshealth.org
