Here at South Dublin Podiatry we see plenty of Verrucas and plenty of Corns and they’re certainly nothing to be embarrassed about! Quite often people ask what they are? What causes them? And which one do they have? This blog gives an overview of each and a handy key at the bottom so you can tell which condition is affecting your feet!

What is a Verruca? 

A Verruca is caused by the Human Papillomavirus or HPV, in the early stages they may appear as a small, dark stain in the skin and as they mature generally show a “cauliflower-rough” surface. 

You may notice black dots within the lesion and sometimes hard skin or callus can form over their surface. 

Generally the verruca has a defined circumference however can also appear in clusters or pairs. There may be satellite verrucae as ‘daughter’ lesions spring up around the parent – up to 1cm away.

Very often they may appear as a mosaic. Multiple, small, tightly packed, individual warts, which may/ may not be painful. These account for close to 90% of cases. Verrucae are non-malignant and affect 1-2% of the general population.

You may be at increased risk if you regularly attend public pools or gyms as the virus spreads via direct contact and loves wet or sweaty skin surfaces. 

Most verrucae are painful when pinched but some verrucae are pain free. You may notice pain on weight bearing surfaces, especially after rest or first thing in the morning.

What is a Corn? 

A corn is a localised thickening of the skin due to large amounts of pressure and friction, usually over a bony part of the foot causing the skin to compact into cone shape and is usually painful under pressure, like walking on a pebble. 

They appear in many forms:

Hard corns-  Usually associated with poorly fitting footwear, occupations where you may be standing for long periods, obesity or skin with low levels of tolerance for pressure. You may be at increased risk if you have any of the following: Claw toes, Hammer toes, Retracted toes or Mallet toes.

Soft corns- Seen between the toes, footwear plays heavily in their formation. They are usually softer due to the evaporation of sweat between the toes and usually where 2 bony prominences rub together. Most commonly between toes 1-2 or 4-5. 

Vascular and neurovascular corns- A vascular corn occurs when the skin is distorted to such a degree that blood vessels make their way into the centre of the corn. Caused by intrusions of deep tissue into the outermost layer of skin.  Neurovascular corns are very painful – due to nerve endings arising from deep tissue. You may feel deep throbbing or burning at rest. 

Seed corn- Look like well...small seeds. They may have no surrounding area of callus and can occur on non-weight bearing surfaces. They are associated with dry skin and may feel like you’re walking on rice!

Verruca vs Corn

Appearance: Verruca-Multiple Corn- Often singular, defined glassy centre

Skin Lines: Verruca-Interrupted Corn- Continuous

Black speckling: Verruca- Yes Corn- No

Location: Verruca- May appear anywhere Corn- High pressure points (usually)

Pain: Verruca- Squeezing from the sides Corn- Very painful on direct pressure

Speed of onset: Verruca- Rapid Corn- Over time

Typical age: Verruca- Children/Young adults Corn- Often older patients

If you have have any concerns about a Verruca or Corn Call Us Now On  📞01 9012009

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