Differential Diagnosis for Plantar Wart vs Wound
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Plantar wart: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the common presentation of a plantar wart as a painful, rough growth on the sole of the foot, which can be mistaken for a wound.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Traumatic wound: A wound on the sole of the foot could be due to trauma, such as a cut or abrasion, which may present similarly to a plantar wart.
- Callus: A callus is a thickened area of skin that can develop due to repeated pressure or friction, which may be mistaken for a plantar wart.
- Corn: A corn is a small, circular thickening of the skin that can develop due to pressure or friction, which may present similarly to a plantar wart.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Although rare, squamous cell carcinoma can present as a non-healing wound or a growth on the sole of the foot, making it a critical diagnosis not to miss.
- Melanoma: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can present as a new or changing growth on the sole of the foot, which may be mistaken for a plantar wart or wound.
- Infection (e.g. cellulitis, abscess): An infection of the skin or soft tissue on the sole of the foot can present as a painful, red, and swollen area, which may be mistaken for a plantar wart or wound.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Keratoacanthoma: A keratoacanthoma is a rare, benign growth that can develop on the skin, including the sole of the foot, which may present similarly to a plantar wart.
- Verrucous carcinoma: Verrucous carcinoma is a rare, low-grade malignancy that can present as a growth on the sole of the foot, which may be mistaken for a plantar wart.