The difference between corns and calluses.

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on April 07, 2025
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Firstly, a corn is a type of common wart, and it actually has clear differences from a callus. Common warts generally occur on the soles of the feet, or on the proliferative protruding surface, typically characterized by specific manifestations. In such cases, there usually are also prominent manifestations, and these conditions can also cause some minor pain.

On the other hand, calluses are completely the opposite of corns. The surface of a callus is generally not protruding, meaning the skin is flat and usually quite smooth. In this respect, there is a fundamental difference on the surface. Moreover, calluses can potentially be caused by local compression factors.

As for corns, they are usually caused by lowered immunity. That is, viral infections are what lead to the problem of corns.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Corns are formed by the thickening of the skin in response to pressure and friction.

Corns are primarily caused by the prolonged and repeated irritation from foreign objects entering the skin, and they are also somewhat related to one’s walking habits or footwear. Once formed, they can be painful, and in severe cases, may lead to pus-filled infections. Typically, corns can be effectively treated with common corn plasters. If the treatment with corn plasters proves ineffective, one can seek cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen at a dermatology department in a standard hospital. In more severe cases, surgical removal may be necessary. Generally, corns can be completely cured using these methods. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting shoes regularly, avoid tight shoes that compress the feet, and not walk barefoot to prevent foreign objects from re-entering the skin and causing a recurrence of the condition. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do corns that don't hurt need to be treated?

Corns are mostly caused by the entry of foreign objects into the skin locally, followed by hyperplasia formed through repeated friction, generally appearing as wedge-shaped on the surface of the skin. If corns are not treated, they might gradually grow larger or increase in size, causing pain during long-term walking. Even if there is no pain temporarily, treatment is still necessary. It is advised to go to the dermatology department of a regular hospital for surgical removal or use liquid nitrogen freezing. This condition can be prevented from recurring by paying attention to one’s walking posture, shoe-wearing habits, and avoiding stepping on dirty things. Regular exercise to strengthen immunity and avoiding walking barefoot are also beneficial.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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The difference between plantar warts and corns

Toe warts and corns are both skin diseases that occur on the feet, but they are entirely different diseases, and many people easily confuse toe warts with corns. First, the causes of toe warts and corns are different. The occurrence of corns is greatly related to compression and friction, while toe warts are mainly caused by viral infections due to reasons such as low immunity. Secondly, their contagiousness is different; corns are not contagious, while toe warts are highly contagious.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What medicine to buy for a corn?

Corns are a type of skin disease formed due to long-term friction and compression. The cause of corns is often related to standing for long periods or wearing ill-fitting or tight shoes. For treating corns, it is advised to primarily use topical medications, which can be directly applied or used as a corn plaster. Besides topical creams, some physical treatments such as carbon dioxide laser, cryotherapy, and X-ray irradiation can also be used.