Painful thick skin on the sole that feels like a corn? Look closely — it may actually be a plantar wart
Is it a corn… or a wart? Most people treat the WRONG thing
Corn is caused by pressure and friction, so it forms a hard central core and is usually painful on direct downward pressure.
A plantar wart is caused by HPV infection, shows tiny black or red dots (clotted blood vessels)- which are very typical of warts, and is often more painful on side-to-side squeezing and the normal skin lines are usually interrupted.
Walking barefoot in wet public places like gyms, pools, or changing rooms, minor skin trauma, sweating, and low immunity can increase the risk
Corn needs pressure relief, proper footwear, and keratolytics.
Warts need salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or electrocautery, laser, or needling under dermatologist supervision.
Treating the wrong one can worsen pain (Avoid picking or shaving it at home)— see a dermatologist for the right diagnosis
Written By: Dr Pranomita
