Verruca’s And Corns

Most people would be worried if something unusual started growing on their feet. Even some doctors can't tell the difference between a verruca and a corn. So how do you know what to do? My advice is to visit a professionally trained, HCPC registered podiatrist as soon as possible for treatment. There are several treatment options available for both corns and verrucas but first, let's take a look at the differences between the two. 

What are the differences between a verruca and a corn?

Verrucas

Foot diseases such as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV or verrucas) are bacterial and transmitted by contact. They can be easily spread in swimming pools and other popular places like schools and gyms. We advise that you always wear flip-flops or socks in public spaces to prevent contracting a verruca as they are highly contagious and easily contractable. If you notice any warts or spots on your feet, it's essential to get them checked out by a podiatrist. 

When it comes to verruca appearance, it's important to be looking out for a small, black lump with red patches. This is the blood capillaries, which are visible through the verruca. In most cases, you won't experience any pain; however, in some cases, they can cause discomfort if you have been standing or on your feet for extended periods of time.

Corns

Corns and verrucae are two different things. They are not contagious; they form when the skin is rubbed between your shoes and your toes, creating a compacted patch of dead skin cells.

How can verrucas be treated?

Getting a verruca can be tough. The best treatment plan will depend on the type of verruca, the severity of the infection, and other factors after speaking to a doctor or podiatrist. However, over some time, verrucas will eventually go away by themselves. 

Acid treatment - If your verrucas have not responded to over-the-counter treatments or home remedies, it could be time for a more robust solution. Podiatrists can apply a lotion or liquid every week with higher acid content. Treatment, in this case, is more intensive and requires a podiatrist's expertise.

Cryotherapy treatment - Considered especially uncomfortable, cryotherapy can be a less-than-pleasant form of treatment. The affected area will be frozen with liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide gas. People have complained about blisters and an intense burning sensation afterwards.

Laser surgery - This is used mostly for larger areas of infection; it works by heating up and working to destroy the infected material at the centre of the verruca. 

Needling - Needling should be performed under a local anaesthetic. Verruca needling is the process of using a small needle to puncture the wart or verruca repeatedly and provoke the body's natural healing process and essentially realise the verruca is there and use your immune system to destroy it.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, avoid communal changing areas to prevent catching verrucas. Common places where people catch them are in public locker rooms at gyms, pools, and elsewhere. To protect your feet, wear flip-flops or shoes that cover your entire foot. If you already have a verruca, use what's called a "verruca sock" to protect others from catching it.

How can a corn be treated?

Normally, a corn is a raised skin lesion that is not contagious and caused by a buildup of dead skin cells. Corns are usually visible as a round bump, a thick patch of hard skin, or a flaky dry skin area.

It is important to know that this is a common and relatively simple condition to treat when it comes to corns. A blade is used to shave away the hard, compacted areas until the skin can breathe and heal. Corns are painless and simple to remedy.

If you are suffering from a corn or a verruca and would like some professional, contact us today to book an appointment. We will be happy to help and put that spring, back in your step.

*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.