What Are Plantar Warts?

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.

Signs of a Plantar Wart:

• 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)

How Are They Different from Corns or Calluses?

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.

How Podiatrists Treat Plantar Warts

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.

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy the virus-infected skin.

• Other options: In persistent cases, we may suggest alternative treatments like needling, acid-based therapy, or even laser therapy.

Why Professional Treatment Matters

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 [Your Clinic Name]. We’ll help you get back on your feet — wart-free and pain-free.