What it is
A plantar wart is a growth on the sole of the foot caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the skin. It is a common, ordinary skin condition and is not a sign of poor hygiene. Because of the pressure of walking, these growths can sometimes be pushed inward and feel tender.
A corn is an area of thickened skin that forms as the body's response to repeated rubbing or pressure, often from shoes, the way you walk, or foot shape. Corns are not caused by a virus and are not contagious. They often show up on toes or over bony areas.
People often say the two can look alike, and that is exactly why guessing is hard. Skin lines, color, tenderness and small dark dots can vary, and other conditions can look similar too. Any spot that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer rather than self-treated. The ABCDEs of melanoma are only a general guide for knowing when to get checked, never a way to diagnose yourself.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Corns have traditionally been approached by looking at the source of pressure. That can include changing footwear, adding padding, or having a clinician gently reduce the thickened skin. Which of these is appropriate depends on the person and the exam.
Plantar warts have traditionally been approached in several ways, including watchful waiting, over-the-counter wart products, and in-office options such as freezing (cryotherapy), laser, or immune-based approaches. Some warts go away on their own over time, and others stick around. Results vary, and warts can return.
Over-the-counter products are widely available, and some people use them. People with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should ask a provider before treating any foot spot at home. No one should cut, burn or dig out a growth at home. The regulatory status of specific prescription products is best checked with your provider.
How the right provider may help
A podiatrist, dermatologist or primary care clinician may be able to look closely at the spot and help tell whether it is a wart, a corn, or something else. A visit generally involves questions about when you noticed it, whether it hurts, and your health history, followed by a look at the skin. Nobody can promise an outcome, but an exam is the most reliable way to stop guessing.
If the clinician finds a plantar wart, they may talk through options such as cryotherapy, laser, immunotherapy, or simply monitoring. If it is a corn, they may focus on pressure, footwear and foot mechanics. What is appropriate is decided by the clinician after an evaluation, and it may differ from person to person.
Questions you might ask include: What do you think this is, and how do you know? Are there other possibilities to rule out? What are my options, including waiting? What should I expect afterward, and what might make it come back? Is any option I am considering regulated or approved by the FDA for this use?
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. A painful spot on the foot can change how you walk, how much you move, and how you feel about going barefoot or wearing sandals. Many people also feel embarrassed or worried, and that is completely understandable.
Supportive care can look different for different people. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support that some people find helpful for tension and stress, and Therapists.plus connects people with talk therapy if worry or self-consciousness is weighing on you. These are complements to, not substitutes for, a clinician's exam of the skin.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: anxiety panic and ocd →
Keep in mind
- Warts.ai is educational only and is not medical advice; a licensed clinician (dermatologist, podiatrist or primary care provider) should examine any foot spot.
- A growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer and should not be self-treated.
- No treatment is guaranteed to remove a wart or prevent it from returning, and results vary from person to person.
- If you have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system, see a provider before treating a foot spot at home. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a plantar wart and a corn?
A plantar wart is a skin growth caused by an HPV infection, while a corn is thickened skin caused by repeated pressure or friction. They can look alike, so a clinician's exam is the reliable way to tell them apart. This page cannot diagnose you.
How can I tell if I have a plantar wart or a corn?
You cannot reliably tell by looking at it yourself, because the two can appear very similar. A podiatrist, dermatologist or primary care clinician can examine the spot and help identify it. Any spot that is changing, bleeding or not healing should be checked promptly.
Is a plantar wart contagious but a corn is not?
Plantar warts are caused by a virus and may spread through skin contact or shared damp surfaces, while corns are caused by pressure and are not contagious. Not everyone exposed to the virus develops a wart. A clinician can talk with you about everyday precautions.
Should I treat a plantar wart vs corn at home?
Ask a clinician first, since treating the wrong thing can be ineffective or irritating. Over-the-counter products exist, but people with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should check with a provider before home treatment. Never cut, burn or dig out a growth at home.
Which kind of doctor looks at a plantar wart or corn?
A podiatrist, dermatologist or primary care clinician can examine foot spots. A dermatologist is the right choice if you are concerned about skin cancer. You can find licensed providers through Providers.plus.
Can a plantar wart or a corn go away on its own?
Some plantar warts go away on their own over time, though this varies and others may linger or return. A corn may ease when the source of pressure is addressed, but it can come back if the pressure continues. A clinician can help you decide whether to wait or look into options.
Educational resource. Warts.ai shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.