Plantar Warts
If you've noticed a small, rough patch of skin on the sole of your foot that’s painful when you walk, especially if it feels like you’re stepping on a pebble, you could be dealing with a plantar wart.
Plantar warts are one of the most common skin conditions we treat in clinic, and while they’re usually harmless, they can become quite painful and persistent if left untreated.
Over-the-counter creams not working for you?
Over-the-counter remedies can be hit or miss and using them incorrectly may damage healthy skin. Podiatrists ensure safe, targeted treatment and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others (or other areas of your own foot).
If you’ve got a stubborn wart that just won’t budge, book in with us at Albion or West End.
We’ll help you get back on your feet, wart-free and pain-free.
About plantar warts and how podiatry can help
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Plantar warts (also called verrucae) are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or cracks, often in warm, damp places like swimming pools, locker rooms, or shared showers, making it easy to pick up without even realising.
Unlike warts on other parts of the body, plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure of walking. This makes them harder to spot and often more painful.
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A small, rough or grainy patch on the sole of the foot
A central black dot (clotted blood vessel)
Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
Thickened skin over the wart (which can resemble a corn or callus)
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Warts can be easily mistaken for corns or calluses, but unlike those, warts are caused by a virus and can spread. Podiatrists are trained to tell the difference and choose the most effective treatment.
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There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Treatment depends on the size, number, location, and how long the wart has been present. Options may include:
Debridement: Carefully reducing the thickened skin to expose the wart.
Topical treatments: Prescription-strength solutions that help break down the wart tissue.
Other options: In persistent cases, we may suggest alternative treatments like multipunctate wart needling or a referral to a dermatologist for laser therapy.