Speaking of "corns", I think everyone is familiar with it; but when it comes to another small knot that may also grow on the feet - "plantar warts", many friends may not know much.
It is a skin problem caused by a viral infection, and the symptoms are very similar to "corns", which can be easily confused if you are not careful, and even be treated as "corns" incorrectly.
This time, let's get to know "plantar warts" together and stop confusing it with "corns".
What is a plantar wart? What's the performance?
Plantar warts are common warts that occur on the soles of the feet and are mostly caused by HPV virus infection (specifically related to HPV types 1, 2, and 4).
It is commonly found in the stressed parts of the foot (such as the soles of the feet near the large thumb), and due to the long-term compression of the soles of the feet, the surface will form a yellowish, calloused-like stratum corneum, and some small black spots can be seen (actually caused by the rupture of small blood vessels).
Plantar warts
Image source: Zhang Jianming's "Diagnostic Atlas of Skin and Venereal Diseases"
The plantar wart begins as a pimple the size of a pin cap, but gradually enlarges into a pale yellow/brownish yellow, hard,slightly protruding patch on the surface of the skin, with a rough surface that is clearly demarcated from the surrounding normal skin.
Because it is contagious, it can appear either individually, or it may be infected by itself, causing multiple to grow, or it may fuse into flakes.
After the patient removes the surface of the keratin on his own, he can see a circle of skin wrapped around a soft core, and there may be bleeding points; when pressing it hard or usually when the foot is forced, he may feel pain.
As for corns, it is generally caused by squeezing the skin between the soles of the feet and toes, and the site of onset is similar to that of plantar warts, most of the time it is a single occurrence, and there will be obvious pain when pressed. Mostly appear as small, round hard blocks of yellow translucent color, shaped like chicken eyes, the central skin lines disappear, and there are no bleeding spots when the surface of the keratin is removed.
corn
If you suspect a long plantar wart, do you have to go to the hospital?
It is best to go to the hospital in time, and the doctor will differentially diagnose and treat. Because:
Although plantar warts may heal spontaneously, they take longer and can heal within 2 years in general children and 5 to 10 years in adults.
There will be pain and discomfort during long plantar warts, which may affect normal life.
Plantar warts are also contagious, not only on their own, but also on others.
How should plantar warts be treated?
Because there is no specific drug against the HPV virus, the treatment of plantar warts is topical treatment. The most common standard of care includes the following two types.
1. Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy
Treatment is usually required 2 to 3 or more times. Because the first time can not freeze too deeply, the advantage of several treatments is that it is easy to control the depth and it is not easy to leave scars.
2. External salicylic acid
External salicylic acid can peel off the affected epithelium and may also stimulate local immunity to clear the virus. Treatment is usually with salicylic acid products containing 17% to 50% concentrations.
Audit specialists
Dr. Lilac Health Encyclopedia Medical Team
The author of the entry
Jin Li is an attending dermatologist
Planning and production
Curated by: Monkey Pigeon | Executive Producer: BruceLi
Typography: Yu Kai
Image source: Doctor Lilac Content Team