Callus, Corn or Wart: How to Tell the Difference

After a summer spent with your feet less covered, you may have noticed spots of hard or thick skin on your feet. But since corns, calluses and warts may all look similar, we’re here to tell you how to spot the difference between these conditions. (And how to treat them once you do!)

Calluses

Calluses show up as thicker areas of skin typically on the bottom of your feet and are yellowish or pale in color. Often bigger and wider than corns with less defined edges, they form to protect your feet from too much pressure. They’re common in spots that take lots of beatings, such as your heels, the balls of your feet and the bottom of your big toes.  They may simply feel rough to the touch. But if they get large enough, calluses can hurt your feet.

Callus Treatment

For small calluses, a pumice stone and good moisturizers may soften up the rough skin. But to prevent calluses from getting larger, you’ll have to take pressure off those hot spots. You’ll want to make sure your socks and shoes fit properly. Socks that don’t fit can cause calluses, much like ill-fitting shoes can. Take a look at your footwear and think about making more supportive choices. You may also wish to explore orthotics, since they’ll target your body’s specific pressure points to prevent calluses from forming or growing larger.

How to Spot a Corn

A corn is a type of callus, made of dead skin. They tend to be harder than calluses, are usually smaller and seem to have a core at their center. Corns usually hurt more than calluses, and they tend to form on or between your toes, also because of pressure. We can take pressure off your corns by padding them, and we can even remove corns. But the only way to keep them from returning is to remove pressure from the spots where they formed.  

If corns or calluses become painful, inflamed or inhibit your life in any way, you will want to contact podiatrist Dr. David Sullivan. Individuals with diabetes, fragile skin, poor circulation or nerve problems and numbness in the feet should seek medical advice before trying any treatment at home.

Warts

Warts can form on the top of your feet, or on your soles. Some warts may appear as bumps while others may be skin-colored, pink or brown. Plantar warts are found specifically on the soles of the feet. Small, clogged blood vessels which look like black dots or tiny seeds are commonly found in plantar warts. Unlike corns and calluses, which form under pressure, warts are caused by an infection.

Some over the counter wart treatments may be effective, but you’re more likely to find a permanent solution with in-office options. You can also help prevent warts by always covering your feet, especially on wet shared surfaces such as locker rooms or pool decks.

When the skin on your feet looks different, it can be hard to tell what’s causing the changes. But that’s why you have our Westfield podiatrist on your side. At the first sign of skin changes, make an immediate appointment with our office. We’ll diagnose the underlying problem and help you find fast relief.