What is a corn like?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 02, 2024

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Corns are a common skin disease, closely related to prolonged standing or constant friction and compression under the feet. Corns consist of a hyperkeratosis forming a circular or oval, yellowish appearance. They generally cause severe pain once they develop, and prompt treatment is necessary. This can include the use of topical medications or physical therapy methods, such as laser treatment.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei

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The difference between a corn and a callus.

Corn and calluses actually have fundamental differences. A corn is a type of common wart, which is essentially a viral infection. This type of infection is somewhat similar to plantar warts, usually occurring on the sole of the foot. Although both conditions are more likely to occur on the sole, common warts typically manifest as protruding bumps on the surface, whereas calluses are not protruding and the skin in the affected area is relatively smooth. Thus, one can determine the type of condition based on these surface appearances. However, both conditions share commonalities such as being caused by viral infections. Additionally, common warts generally have a darker color, while calluses are more translucent.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

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Can corns be contagious?

Corns are not contagious; this condition is usually caused by prolonged friction and compression. Corns are characterized by thickened skin, commonly found on the soles of the feet, the front-middle parts of the toes, and the outer edges of the little toes. If corns develop, it is important to eliminate the cause. If there is long-term friction or compression on the feet, it must be avoided. Wear appropriate shoes to reduce pressure and friction. For treatment, you can apply corn treatment ointments. (For specific medications, please administer them under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate blindly.)

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Written by Zhang Da Wei

General Surgery

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Are corns the same as calluses?

A corn is actually what is commonly referred to as a typical wart, and this type of common wart is actually caused by a viral infection. When the body's immune system is weakened, such an infection can occur, and it generally has a slight possibility of contagion. Most of the time, treatment of these warts involves localized injections of antiviral medication, or through methods such as laser surgery, which can achieve improvement. On the other hand, a callus is a type of localized proliferative condition, and although it may be caused by a viral infection, the likelihood of it being caused by localized pressure or irritation is greater. Typically, this condition can be improved through physical therapy methods, such as using topical medications to remove it, or by using laser surgery locally as a complementary treatment, achieving better outcomes.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

31sec

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Differentiation between Corns and Plantar Warts

Corns and plantar warts are two different skin conditions, although both often occur on the feet, they have significant differences. First, corns and plantar warts differ in contagion and quantity. Generally, corns appear singly and are not contagious; while plantar warts often appear in larger numbers and are highly contagious. Moreover, corns are usually caused by pressure or friction on the feet, whereas plantar warts are caused by a viral infection of the skin on the soles of the feet.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

54sec

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Can a corn be squeezed out?

Using squeezing as a method to treat corns is not effective, and it will not extrude them. Corns are mostly formed due to foreign bodies entering the skin and repeated friction. After the onset of this condition, walking can be painful and uncomfortable. The most standard and direct method is to use a corn plaster for local application. These corrosive medications can completely clear the corns. If the effect is not very good, one can also go to the dermatology department of a regular hospital to undergo cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. After cryotherapy, blisters form locally, which gradually heal, causing the corn to necrose and fall off. Therefore, after this disease occurs, it is essential to seek proper treatment and not to use squeezing. This method can cause pain in the corns and may also lead to symptoms of redness and infection.