Is it a Corn, a Verruca, or a Splinter? How to Spot the Difference

Noticing a stinging pain in the sole of your foot is a common occurrence,  especially if you love walking, running, or hiking, and it is easy to assume that it is caused by something foreign, such as a splinter. But for many, the truth is not that simple, and more often than not, the misinterpretation of a foot lesion is the main reason why so many people experience pain for so long.

At Harley Street Nail Specialist Clinic, we believe that the first step to finding relief is to understand what is really going on beneath your skin. So, continue reading to understand the difference between a common splinter, a verruca, and a corn.

The Telltale Signs of a Verruca

Let’s start with verrucas because this condition demands clinical attention, and it is nowhere close to a splinter.

A verruca is a viral infection caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Unlike a corn, which is simply a build-up of dead skin, a verruca is alive and fed by your own blood supply.

To spot the difference, look closely at the skin’s texture.

Healthy skin has natural ridges, similar to fingerprints. A verruca will interrupt these lines. You may also notice tiny black pinpoints within the centre; these are not seeds, but microscopic clotted blood vessels. Because this is a viral issue, it requires a targeted approach to clear the infection, which is why many patients eventually seek verruca treatment to address the problem at its source.

Identifying Between a Corn and a Splinter

A corn usually develops over a bony prominence or an area of high friction. Unlike a verruca, it won’t have black dots, and the skin ridges will often continue over the surface.

If it is a splinter, the pain is usually immediate and sharp upon entry.

If you have been treating a corn with over-the-counter acids for weeks with no change, you are likely dealing with a viral wart.

Please note that continuing to use harsh chemicals on a virus can actually irritate the area and cause it to spread. This is why it is essential to understand the difference between these conditions, as to the layman, they may all appear the same.

What is the Danger of Misdiagnosis?

Treating a verruca as if it were a corn, or worse, by trying to dig out a suspected splinter, can lead to secondary infections or the accidental spread of the virus to other parts of your foot. Moreover, you might be unknowingly spreading the virus to other members of your family.

Awareness of these subtle differences prevents unnecessary damage to healthy tissue.

If your foot lesion is painful, spreading, or changing shape, it is time to stop guessing and seek a professional assessment to reclaim your comfort.

Contact our team today to book your specialist consultation. We will let you know whether it is a corn, a normal splinter, or a bad case of verruca where you need to undergo verruca treatment.

Note on Out-of-Hours Support: Harley Street Nail Specialist Clinic is not an emergency or out-of-hours healthcare provider. We are available to assist you during our standard operating hours. If you require urgent medical attention or have a severe foot injury outside of these times, please dial NHS 111 or visit your nearest A&E department immediately.