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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Callus and Wart?

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Calluses and warts are both thickened areas of skin that can appear on the feet, but they have distinct differences in appearance, causation, and treatment.

Callus:

  • Forms as a result of repetitive friction or pressure on the skin.
  • Appearance: Thick, rough patches of skin, often with distinguishable skin lines throughout the growth.
  • Pain: Calluses are usually painless, but they can cause discomfort when directly pressed on.
  • Treatment: Soaking and buffing away the excess skin with a pumice stone, applying moisturizer, and using over-the-counter medications with salicylic acid.

Wart:

  • Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) entering the body through a small cut.
  • Appearance: Flat, rough, and thickened skin, often with tiny black dots in the center called "seeds".
  • Pain: Warts are typically painful when squeezed side-to-side.
  • Treatment: Treatment options include salicylic acid, cryotherapy, pulsed-dye laser, or antiviral medications.

In some cases, a callus can form over a wart, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. If you are unsure about the nature of the skin growth or if it persists despite at-home treatments, it is recommended to consult a medical professional for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.

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  • What is the Difference Between Callus and Wart?
  • Comparative Table: Callus vs Wart

    • Comparative Table: Callus vs Wart

    Here is a table comparing the differences between calluses and warts:

    Feature Callus Wart
    Definition A callus is a thick, hard area of skin that forms in response to friction or pressure, often on the feet or hands. A wart is a benign skin growth caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread through casual skin contact.
    Appearance Calluses typically have a normal skin color and can be varying sizes. They are thickened skin that retains the normal footprint. Warts have a different appearance from calluses, as they do not have skin lines and appear as separate growths from the rest of the skin. They can have red or black dots in their center, which are actually broken blood vessels known as capillaries.
    Location Calluses tend to occur over pressure points, such as the sides of the feet or big toe, the bottom of the toes, heels, and the ball of the foot. Warts can develop anywhere on the body, including the soles of the feet (plantar warts).
    Pain Level Calluses are generally less painful than warts and usually cause discomfort only when directly pressed on. Warts can be painful when squeezed from the side, especially plantar warts, which can cause discomfort and affect the way you walk.
    Treatment Calluses can be addressed by reducing friction and pressure, using padding, cushioning, or modifying footwear. Some patients may be able to thin calluses down by using a pumice stone. Warts typically require medical treatment, as they are caused by a virus and can spread. Various wart treatments are available, depending on the type and location of the wart.

    If you are unsure whether you have a callus or a wart, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist, for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.