A wart or a callus can be recognized by its location on the body, such as the hands or feet. They both can be identified by their coloring and whether or not the surface is thickened, smooth, flat or elevated. Although warts and calluses are two very different skin conditions, they can look somewhat similar in appearance. The most accurate way that you can identify either one of them is to see a doctor for a medical examination.

One of the first thing you should look for in identifying a wart or callus is the surface. All calluses have a hard, thick, bump-like surface, but only certain types of warts look this way. Other types of warts may have surfaces that are flat and smooth.

Color is another way to recognize a wart or callus. Calluses generally have a somewhat yellow or gray color. Warts have a tendency to vary in color depending on the type of wart. These color variations can include brown, gray, a combination of the two, or even pink. Some warts that have the same coloring and thick surface as calluses will also have a dark spot at the center or dark specks throughout.

Both a wart or callus can be recognized by where it is located. Calluses form in areas where the skin experiences frequent pressure or friction. The most common locations are on the feet and hands, which are areas that are subject to pressure on a daily basis. Calluses may also appear on other locations to a lesser degree, such as the knees or elbows.

The location or a wart varies depending on the type of wart. Plantar warts are a type of wart that is found on the bottom of the feet. Flat warts tend to frequently appear on the arms, legs and face. Periungal warts can be identified by their location near the nails of either the toes or fingers.

Doctors will typically be able to recognize a wart or callus based off of a visual examination. Occasionally there may be a question about the nature of the skin condition. In other cases he may not be able to accurately determine whether it is actually a wart, callus or some other skin condition or growth. If this occurs a biopsy is taken in order to perform a microscopic examination.