When it comes to common foot problems, verrucas and corns are often misunderstood. While both can cause discomfort, they are quite different in their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding these differences is key to finding the right solution and preventing further complications.
In this blog post, we’ll explain how to identify a corn or verruca and explore the treatment options available at The Hartland Podiatry Clinic in Wantage, Oxfordshire.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Verruca and a Corn
If you’re unsure whether you have a verruca or a corn, here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Verruca | Corn |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Viral infection (HPV) | Pressure or friction |
| Appearance | Rough, with black dots | Smooth, thickened skin |
| Location | Soles of feet, toes | Tops, sides, or between toes |
| Contagious? | Yes | No |
Still unsure? No problem—keep reading to learn more about corns and verrucas, or reach out to our clinic for a professional diagnosis and the right treatment.
What is a Verruca?
Verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is a viral infection of the skin. It commonly affects the soles of the feet and can cause pain and discomfort. Verrucas may appear as small, rough, and raised bumps with tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) on the surface. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for causing verrucas, which can be easily transmitted through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
What Does a Verruca Look Like on Your Foot?
Verrucas are small, rough, raised bumps that sometimes have tiny black dots on their surface—these are clotted blood vessels. Unlike corns, verrucas are caused by a virus and can spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces, such as swimming pools or communal showers.
Verruca Treatment Options
At The Hartland Podiatry Clinic, we offer a range of treatments to address verrucas effectively, including:
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a minor surgical procedure that punctures the verruca multiple times under local anaesthetic. By stimulating an immune response, it targets the virus for destruction. Often, only one session is required, and treating the “mother lesion” can lead to systemic immune clearance of multiple verrucas.
Swift Microwave
Swift Microwave Verruca Therapy is a new treatment using microwave energy to destroy infected tissue. Clinical trials by Dr Ivan Bistow from The University of Southampton have shown a success rate of 76%, making Swift one of the most effective verruca treatments available today.
Verrutop – Topical Treatment for Verruca
Verrutop is a topical treatment best suited for small verrucas. Applied by a medical professional, it has demonstrated an impressive 89.3% clearance rate within six sessions.
What is a Foot Corn?
A corn, or heloma, is not caused by a virus but by pressure or friction on the skin. Corns develop as thickened, hardened patches of skin and are most commonly found on the tops, sides, or between the toes. They may appear yellowish or grey and feel firm to the touch.
Unlike verrucas, corns lack the telltale black dots. However, they can cause significant discomfort, particularly when wearing tight shoes or during physical activities.
Foot Corn Removal Options
Managing corns typically involves reducing pressure on the affected area. Treatments include:
- Self-Care Measures: Using protective padding, orthotics, and wearing well-fitted shoes.
- Salicylic Acid Treatments: Softens the corn for gradual removal.
- Professional Removal: In severe cases, surgical removal may be necessary for permanent relief.
The Hartland Podiatry Clinic offers personalised care and expert advice to treat corns effectively.
Treat Verrucas and Corns at The Hartland Podiatry Clinic
While verrucas are viral infections characterised by rough lesions with black dots and are caused by HPV, corns are hardened areas of skin resulting from excessive pressure or friction. Whether you’re dealing with a verruca or corn, The Hartland Podiatry Clinic in Wantage, Oxfordshire, is here to help. From advanced verruca treatments like Swift Microwave Therapy to professional corn removal, we offer a range of podiatry services to meet your needs.
Don’t let foot discomfort hold you back. Call us today at 01235 798313 or email us at info@thehartlandclinic.co.uk to book an appointment. For updates and tips, follow us on Facebook.