Verrucas, corns and calluses explained

What verrucas are

A verruca is a wart that appears on the sole of the foot, caused by a common virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin and is picked up in places where people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools, changing rooms and communal showers. A verruca often looks like a small, rough, flat area of thickened skin, sometimes with tiny black dots in the middle, which are little blood vessels. Because it is on the sole, the pressure of standing can push it inwards, making it feel like there is a small stone in your shoe. Verrucas are harmless and often clear up on their own over time, though this can take many months.

What corns and calluses are

Corns and calluses are areas of hard, thickened skin that form to protect the skin from repeated pressure and rubbing, usually on the feet. A callus is a larger patch of thickened, often yellowish skin, commonly on the ball or heel of the foot, and it is usually not painful. A corn is smaller and more focused, with a harder centre, often on or between the toes, and it can be tender when pressed. Both are caused by pressure, most often from footwear that is too tight, too loose or has hard seams, or from the way you walk or stand. Unlike verrucas, they are not caused by a virus and are not contagious. They are the skin's natural response to friction.

Telling them apart

It can be tricky to tell these apart, but a few clues help. Verrucas often have tiny black dots and a rough, cauliflower-like surface, and they tend to be painful when squeezed from the sides. Corns and calluses usually feel more painful when pressed straight down. Verrucas can appear anywhere on the sole, sometimes in clusters, and may spread, while corns and calluses form where there is pressure or rubbing. Calluses cover a wider area of even, thick skin; corns are smaller with a hard core. If you are unsure what you have, or if a lump on your foot changes, bleeds, or looks unusual, it is worth having it checked rather than guessing, as a pharmacist or GP can help identify it.

Treating them at home and at the pharmacy

Many of these clear up or improve with simple care. For corns and calluses, the key is reducing the pressure causing them: wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes, use cushioning pads, and gently soften and file the hard skin after a bath, being careful not to overdo it. Moisturising helps keep skin supple. For verrucas, treatments from the pharmacy, such as gels, creams or plasters containing salicylic acid, or freezing kits, can help, though they take persistence over weeks. Covering a verruca in communal areas and not sharing towels reduces spread. Do not cut corns or calluses yourself with a blade, as this risks injury and infection. A pharmacist is a good source of advice on which products suit you.

When to see a professional

See a pharmacist, GP or foot specialist (podiatrist) if a verruca, corn or callus is painful, keeps coming back, spreads, or does not improve with home treatment. A podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin and advise on footwear and pressure relief. Importantly, people with diabetes or poor circulation should not treat foot problems themselves and should seek professional advice, because they are at higher risk of complications and slow healing. Get a lump checked promptly if it bleeds, changes shape or colour, is very painful, or looks unusual, as not every foot lump is a simple verruca or corn. If a corn or callus becomes red, swollen, warm or leaks pus, it may be infected and needs medical attention.