Warts, corns and calluses are common diseases. Like many people, you may not know what they look like or what causes them. You may also leave them untreated, not knowing that they can grow, become unsightly and even painful.

What is Warts
Warts are round, thickened or hardened skin caused by a virus. Initially, a wart appears as a tiny bump and will gradually grow larger to a rough, cauliflower-like nodule. Warts are commonly found on hands (71%), feet (34.5%), torso (2.8%), and face and neck (1.1%). Corns and calluses are similar but differ in appearance.

A corn
*Appears as a small, hardened area of skin.
*Is typically round or cone shaped (pointing down into skin).
*Often looks yellow compared to surrounding skin.
*Is found on feet, either side of toes or between joints.

If left untreated, thickening of skin piles up and cells underneath become inflamed. You will probably first notice a corn when it causes aching at the end of the day or feels tender under pressure.

A callus
*Appears as a rough, thickened skin, covering a wide irregular area.
*Looks flatter than a corn and has normal skin marking.
*Is usually painless but may cause distress and discomfort if left untreated.

III-fitting shoes (especially those that are too pointed), walking barefoot, heavy manual labour or writing for a long time are some of the causes of corns and calluses.

Warts, corns and calluses treatment

Early detection and treatment is important to prevent the possible discomfort and unsightly appearence of warts, corns and calluses. This is especially important with warts, as treatment will not only destroy the wart but may also activate your immune system to fight off the wart virus. Corns and calluses can also be successfully treated but tend to re-appear if the cause is not removed.

Prevention of warts
*Do not walk around barefoot in locker rooms, in pool areas and on moist soil as warts thrive in moist or wet areas.
*Avoid contact with another person’s warts.
*Do not share towels, clothes, etc with someone with warts.
*Regular check for warts, especially on children’s skin and seek treatment immediately to prevent the virus from spreading.

Prevention of corns and calluses
*Wear soft, comfortable and correct fitting shoes.
*For ladies, avoid high heeled and pointed shoes.
*If you are prone to corns and calluses, use pads to cushion your feet.
*If you handle heavy tools, rest during work intervals and wear gloves.
*Apply moisturizing lotion regularly to soften the skin which is frequently exposes to pressure or friction.
 

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