Telling the difference between a corn, callus, wart and hyperkeratosis depends in part on the location, skin surface and host reaction. Structures such as corns and callus are very localized and small in size. Close examination of the surface will show that the “fingerprinting” pattern on the skin is preserved. A wart will disrupt the pattern and show what looks like a cauliflour pattern. Hyperkeratosis and skin rashes such as psoriasis will also disrupt the normal pattern but will have a larger flaky pattern in its place. In addition, inflammatory skin conditions will have an area of redness underneath the pattern.

While there can be exceptions to the rules, paying attention to the skin surface, distribution and host reaction can help distinguish between these various conditions.

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