Corns
Corns are tiny, circular regions of thickened skin that usually appear on the toes or soles of the feet. They are caused by friction and pressure on the skin, which is often brought on by shoes that don't fit right or by some kinds of foot problems. Corns can be uncomfortable and make walking or wearing shoes difficult. Keratin, which is dead skin cells, make up the thicker skin of a corn. The core of the corn is generally tougher and denser than the surrounding skin, and it may contain a tiny, black dot that represents a blood vessel. Corns can be as little as a pea or as huge as a marble, and they can be soft or firm.
Types of Corns
There are several types of corns, including:
- Hard corns
The most frequent form of corn and can be seen on the tops and sides of the toes. They are tiny and spherical, with a firm core and a horny skin coating.
- Soft corns
Less prevalent than hard corns and usually occur between the toes. They are wet and white, with a rubbery feel.
- Seed corns
Little, spherical corns with several pinpoint centers. They are most found on the soles of the feet and can be unpleasant when pressed.
Cause
Corns can be caused by several different circumstances, including:
- Wearing shoes that are excessively tight or rub against the skin can produce friction and pressure, resulting in the growth of corns.
- Foot abnormalities, such as hammertoes or bunions, can cause the skin to rub against the shoe, resulting in the growth of corns.
- Corns can form in people who walk or run with an irregular gait, such as rolling the foot inwards, due to increased pressure on parts of the foot.
Treatment
Corn can be handled in several ways, including:
- Wearing shoes that fit properly and do not rub against the skin.
Wearing shoes that fit properly and do not rub against the skin can help avoid the production of corns.
- Padding
Placing a soft, cushioning pad over the corn can assist alleviate skin strain and friction.
- Trimming
Using a pumice stone or an emery board to gently remove the thicker skin of the corn will help alleviate pain and irritation.
- Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid-containing over-the-counter lotions or pads can help soften the thicker skin of the corn and make it simpler to remove.
Self-treatment should be avoided since cutting too deeply or using unsuitable methods might result in problems such as infection or injury to the underlying structures of the foot.
Warts
Warts are tiny, harmless skin growths produced by a viral infection known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can occur anywhere on the body, but the fingers, hands, feet, and face are the most prevalent locations. They are usually tiny with a rough, grainy appearance. They might be skin-toned, white, or dark.
Types of Warts
Warts come in a variety of forms, including:
Common warts
The most common form of wart, they can be found on the fingers, hands, and knees. They have a raised, rough, and grainy surface.
Plantar warts
Warts that appear on the soles of the feet and are either flat or slightly elevated. When pressure is applied, they can be painful.
Flat warts
Smaller and flatter than normal warts. They're most frequent on the face, legs, and wrists.
Filiform warts
These warts are thin and long, resembling a little stalk, and are frequently seen on the face.
Mosaic warts
Clusters of numerous warts that appear simultaneously and are most observed on the soles of the feet.
The HPV virus, which enters the body through tiny wounds or breaches in the skin, causes warts. The virus then causes the skin cells to proliferate quickly, resulting in the formation of a wart. Warts are more frequent in children and young adults, and they are infectious, which means they can be passed from person to person by direct touch or contact with a virus-infected surface.
Treatment
Warts can be treated in a variety of methods, including the following:
- Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid-containing lotions or gels can be administered to the wart to soften and remove the thickened skin.
- Cryotherapy
A process in which the wart is frozen with liquid nitrogen. The wart blisters and finally falls out because of the freezing.
- Surgical removal
Warts can be medically removed by a healthcare expert with a knife or by vaporizing the wart with a laser.
- Electrosurgery
An electric current is used to burn away the wart during this technique.
It is crucial to realize that not all warts are treatable, and some may remain even after treatment. They may even vanish on their own in certain circumstances if not treated. It's also crucial to remember that even after the wart has been removed, the HPV virus may linger in the body and cause new warts to form. It is also vital to avoid picking at or scratching warts, avoiding direct contact with warts on other individuals, and not sharing personal objects such as towels or shoes.
Difference between Warts and Corns
Warts are small, harmless growths that happen when a virus infects the top layer of skin. They can occur anywhere on the body and are generally harsh to the touch. On the other hand, corns are thickened regions of skin caused by pressure or friction. They are most commonly found on the toes and soles of the feet. They are often smaller and rounder in shape than warts, with a firmer, denser core. Warts and corns can both be painful, but the treatment choices and preventative strategies differ.