Verruca or Corn? How to Tell the Difference (And Why It Matters)

Foot pain can sneak up on you. Maybe it starts with a dull ache, or perhaps you notice a small bump under your foot that's making every step a bit more uncomfortable. Before you rush to buy over-the-counter treatments, it's important to know exactly what you're dealing with.

Two common culprits we see at Achilles Foot Clinic are verrucas and corns. While they can look and feel similar, they’re actually quite different—and mistaking one for the other can delay healing and even make the problem worse.

What Is a Verruca?

A verruca is a type of wart caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s contagious, often painful, and commonly found on the soles of the feet. Verrucas usually:

Appear as small, grainy growths

Have black dots (clotted blood vessels) in the centre

Disrupt the natural skin lines

Hurt when you put pressure on them, like a stone in your shoe

Because they’re caused by a virus, verrucas tend to spread—either to other parts of your foot or to people you come into close contact with.

What Is a Corn?

A corn, on the other hand, is a thickened area of skin caused by repeated pressure or friction—often from poorly fitting shoes. Corns are not contagious and are more of a mechanical issue than a viral one. They typically:

Have a hard, raised centre

Form over bony areas like toes or the ball of the foot

Follow the natural skin lines

Are usually not painful unless pressed

Corns often appear yellowish and are surrounded by inflamed skin. Unlike verrucas, they don’t have black dots or break the skin’s pattern.

Why the Confusion?

Both conditions can present as round, raised areas on the foot that become sore with pressure. Without proper knowledge—or a podiatric assessment—it’s easy to mix them up. Unfortunately, using the wrong treatment can backfire. For example, applying salicylic acid (used for verrucas) to a corn may damage healthy skin and worsen the discomfort.

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Treating a corn as if it's a verruca won’t solve the issue, and vice versa. At Achilles Foot Clinic, we often see patients who’ve tried various home remedies without success, simply because they weren’t treating the right condition.

By getting an accurate diagnosis, we can provide targeted treatment. This might include:

For verrucas: Cryotherapy, Swift Microwave Therapy, or topical treatments

For corns: Debridement, footwear advice, and orthotics to redistribute pressure

When to See a Podiatrist

You should come see us if:

• The lesion is painful or growing

• You’re unsure what it is

• Home treatments haven’t worked

• You have diabetes or circulation issues (don’t risk DIY care!)

Final Thoughts

Your feet carry you through life—it’s only fair you treat them well. Whether it’s a verruca or a corn, don’t let foot pain slow you down. Knowing the difference is the first step to proper care.

At Achilles Foot Clinic in Ballincollig, we’ll get to the root of the problem and help you step forward with confidence. Book a consultation today and give your feet the care they deserve.