The difference between corns and calluses

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on March 31, 2025
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Corn and calluses have obvious differences, as these two conditions arise from different mechanisms. Corns are what we commonly refer to as ordinary warts, which are caused by viral infections. Such viral infections are typically related directly to a decline in one's immune system, leading to the disease. The usual presentation is a change on the surface of the skin, generally appearing as tumor-like. On the other hand, calluses do not protrude on the surface and are mostly caused by local pressure and other similar factors. This condition has little to do with viral infections. Nevertheless, the treatment methods for these two conditions are quite similar. For example, they can be removed through laser surgery or treated using certain ointments to achieve healing effects. (The use of medications should be guided by a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What is the difference between a viral wart and a corn?

Viral warts and corns, though similar in appearance, have significant differences. In terms of cause, viral warts are caused by an infection of the human papillomavirus and are contagious. Corns, on the other hand, are not contagious and are caused by long-term pressure, friction, or tight shoes. In terms of treatment, corns can often be cured through laser treatment or medication. Viral warts need to be treated with antiviral medications, along with physical treatment methods such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Can corn plasters be used for warts?

Warts are commonly caused by a viral infection and are a type of common wart. These warts can be removed or improved through physical treatments or medications, such as laser or cryotherapy. Using corn plasters can also be effective in these cases. Because the affected area is stimulated, there might be a noticeable change. If this change can be effectively managed, it can lead to successful treatment. Corn plasters can achieve this therapeutic effect. Although corn plasters are not highly specific, they do have some therapeutic effects. Furthermore, it is advisable to enhance the immune system. Specific antiviral treatments can be more effective and can be combined with other methods to judge and treat the condition. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional 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 Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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There are many small flesh spikes in the corn.

Corns often contain many small flesh spikes, and this condition might be due to plantar warts, caused by factors such as local compression and friction. This disease is actually a type of common wart, usually resulting from abnormal local skin proliferation, leading to keratinization. Physical therapy or surgical methods are generally used to improve this condition. Physical therapy mainly involves excision and separation, and it is essential to use some softening solutions to prevent extensive bleeding. Surgical options mainly include laser and cryotherapy, which can effectively treat and improve the condition, and further analysis and determination can be done based on the specific situation.

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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.