By Mpho Sedumedi, Podiatrist
As a podiatrist at Gen Health Hamilton, one of the most common questions I hear in the clinic is:
“Do I have a wart or a corn?”
At first glance, they can look very similar – both can be small, round, and painful. But the cause, treatment, and recovery time are very different. Guessing wrong can mean ongoing pain, wasted money on the wrong products, or even making the problem worse.
What’s the Difference?
Corns
- Cause: Repeated pressure or friction on the skin
- Common locations: Toes, ball of the foot, or areas where shoes rub
- Appearance: Thick, hard skin with a clearly defined core
- Pain: Hurts when pressed directly down.
Warts
- Cause: Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Common locations: Anywhere on the foot, especially weight-bearing areas
- Appearance: Rough surface, sometimes with tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels)
- Pain: Hurts when squeezed from the sides.
Why It Matters
A corn is a pressure problem – remove the source of friction, and it often resolves with podiatry care, footwear changes, and gentle removal of hard skin.
A wart, on the other hand, is a viral infection. It needs targeted treatments to destroy the virus and stop it spreading. What works for a corn won’t treat a wart, and in some cases, the wrong treatment can make the wart more painful or encourage it to spread to other parts of your foot.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you’re unsure whether it’s a wart or corn, the safest option is to get a professional diagnosis. At Gen Health Hamilton, we can quickly tell the difference, explain your treatment options, and get you started on the right plan so you can get back on your feet sooner.
Book your podiatry appointment here.
Disclaimer: All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
