A lot of different skin conditions present themselves in a similar fashion on our feet – rough bumps or patches of skin. But what do you actually have? Plantar wart vs. callus? Here is a detailed guide on how to tell the difference between these two common skin conditions.
Identifying different skin conditions on your feet can be tricky, especially because they look quite similar most of the time. So, here is how to differentiate plantar warts and calluses.
Spot Differences in Appearance and Location
Both calluses and plantar warts form on the areas of your feet that hold the most pressure – ball and heel of your foot and on the toes. However, their appearance is the main way to differentiate them.
Calluses look like large, thick patches of dry skin, and they are usually uniform in color. On the other hand, plantar warts can be easily recognized by their small dark specks or dots in the middle. Those dark spots are wart seeds – dried blood clots.
Their Symptoms and Sensations Are Not the Same
Another difference is the fact that calluses rarely cause pain or major discomfort, while plantar warts are known to be very uncomfortable, painful, and they can even cause bleeding.
Treatment Options Are Different
Calluses are most often successfully treated by home remedies, and a surgical procedure is rarely necessary. Plantar warts are most commonly treated by more aggressive treatment options such as:
- A minimally invasive surgery,
- Cryotherapy,
- Immunotherapy,
- Laser treatment,
- Topical medicine.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts (verruca plantaris) are a type of foot skin infection. It’s a contagious condition that causes rough lumps to form on the skin at the bottom of the foot, and it can also cause a lot of foot pain and discomfort.
What Causes Them
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s easily transmitted either by direct skin-to-skin contact or by being in direct contact with an infected surface. The virus gets into the body through small cuts on the bottom of the foot.
What Is Callus?
Calluses are thick, rough patches of dry skin. While the callus itself usually isn’t painful, it can cause discomfort in everyday activities. Calluses are larger than foot corns and can be irregular in shape.
What Causes It?
A callus is caused by strong and repeated friction on a specific part of the foot. Constant rubbing irritates the skin, causing it to create a callus. The most common cause is inappropriate and ill-fitting footwear, especially wearing them for longer periods of time.
Visit Your Foot Doctor in Miami and Get the Right Diagnosis
Never rely simply on your own judgment when it comes to identifying and treating various foot conditions. Make sure to visit a doctor and get diagnosed by a medical professional. Contact us and have the best surgeon in Miami at the Luxe Foot Surgery clinic take care of it.
FAQ
Are Plantar Warts Contagious, and How Are They Transmitted?
Plantar warts are contagious, and they are transmitted either by direct skin-on-skin contact or by direct skin contact with an infected surface.
Can I Prevent Plantar Warts and Calluses?
You can prevent calluses by wearing appropriate footwear, and warts can be prevented by not exposing your feet to unsanitary surfaces, which means you don’t wear other people’s shoes or socks, and you don’t walk barefoot in public areas.
When Should I Seek Professional Help for My Plantar Wart or Callus?
Seek professional help as soon as you notice any signs or symptoms of plantar warts or calluses.
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