Have you spotted a hard or rough patch of skin on your foot and wondered what it is? You're not alone. One of the most common questions we get at Peak Podiatry is:

"Is this a corn, a callus, or maybe a verruca?"

They can look and feel very similar—but they’re not the same thing. And treating the wrong one in the wrong way can make the problem worse, or drag it out for months.

Let’s clear things up by explaining the difference, how to spot each one, and what you should do next.

1. What Is a Callus?

A callus is a patch of thick, hard skin that forms in response to friction or pressure. You’ll usually find it on the ball of your foot, heel, or sides of your toes.

🔍 How to spot it:

• Skin looks dry, rough, or yellowish

• It feels hard and may be slightly raised

• Usually doesn’t hurt unless it gets very thick

• Often appears over time from shoes or walking style

💡 Why it matters:
Calluses aren’t dangerous, but if they build up too much, they can cause discomfort or hide more serious issues underneath—like corns or ulcers in people with diabetes.

2. What Is a Corn?

A corn is a type of callus with a hard centre that presses deeper into the skin. It can feel like you’re walking on a pebble, especially in tight shoes.

🔍 How to spot it:

• Small, round, and often in high-pressure spots like toe tops or sides

• Feels like a “core” is digging into your foot

• Can be painful when pressed

• Often caused by friction from shoes or toe deformities

💡 Why it matters:
Corns are often mistaken for verrucas, but they need different treatment. Using wart-removing acid on a corn can make it worse or damage healthy skin.

3. What Is a Verruca?

A verruca (also known as a plantar wart) is caused by a virus. It’s contagious and can spread to others or other parts of your own foot if not treated properly.

🔍 How to spot it:

• Looks like a small cauliflower or has tiny black dots inside (these are blood vessels)

• Usually found on the soles of the feet

• Can be painful—especially when walking or pinching the skin

• Disrupts the normal lines of your skin

💡 Why it matters:
Unlike corns and calluses, verrucas are caused by a virus, so they need a different type of care—often involving antiviral treatments, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. Left untreated, they can last months or even years.

Why You Shouldn’t Guess

Trying to treat one of these conditions without knowing exactly what it is can lead to:

• Worsening pain

• Infections

• More verrucas or spreading to others

• Longer recovery times

The safest option? Book a visit to your local foot clinic in Galway or Limerick. A trained podiatrist in Galway can quickly tell what you're dealing with and recommend the right fix.

How We Can Help at Peak Podiatry

When you visit us, here’s what to expect:

✅ A full assessment of the affected area
✅ Accurate diagnosis—corn, callus, verruca or something else
✅ Safe, professional treatment
✅ Advice on footwear, pressure relief, and prevention

We also offer advanced options like laser therapy and custom orthotics to help you stay pain-free and confident on your feet.

Don’t Let It Linger

If that hard patch on your foot has been bothering you for a while, don’t ignore it. The longer it goes untreated, the more painful and stubborn it can become.

👉 Book your appointment with Peak Podiatry today and get back to walking comfortably—without the guesswork.