4 Ways to Tell If You Have a Corn or a Wart
1. Timing
Warts have a relatively rapid onset. Meanwhile, a corn can take months or even years to develop. Warts are generally caused by a viral infection. This is a very targeted and discrete infection and reaction to the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is why the onset is sudden, painful and covers a small area. However, you may develop more than wart which can extend to more areas of the foot. Pressure and friction play a role, but not to the same degree as with a corn.
2. Area On Foot
A wart can occur anywhere on the foot. A corn usually occurs wherever there is a pressure point. A corn will happen at the site or a bunion or where the ball of the foot has thinned out and the bone presses through to the ground. Warts have no such constraints and happen all over. Remember, warts are caused by a virus and this means that pressure is not mandatory for it to form.
3. The “push/squeeze” Test
Generally for corns, they are most painful whenever direct pressure is applied to it such as pushing on it with your finger. Warts, on the other hand, are more painful with side-to-side pressure or when you squeeze them.
4. Where Does a Skin Line Pass Through the Lesion?
For a wart, skin lines (wrinkles) will pass around the lesion (skin spot). Corns, on the other hand, usually involve the skin line. That is, the wrinkle on the foot will actually pass right through the problem. This can often make treatment difficult and you should seek care from a professional.
Call a podiatrist if you think that you have a corn or wart and would like to have it removed.
