Warts

Plantar Warts / Verucae

A plantar wart is a viral skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It appears on the soles of the feet, especially in areas exposed to pressure or friction. The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin and thrives in warm, moist environments.

Who Is More Prone to Plantar Warts

Plantar warts can affect anyone, but they are more common in:

• Children and teenagers — their immune systems are still developing, and they often walk barefoot in communal areas

• Older adults — thinner, drier skin and reduced immunity

• People with weakened immune systems (immune suppression, chronic illness, certain medications)

• Individuals with dry, cracked skin

• People who frequently use communal spaces such as pools, gyms, and changing rooms

Why Plantar Warts Occur

• HPV entering through small cuts or weakened skin

• Walking barefoot in communal areas

• Excess moisture or sweating

• Reduced immunity

• Pressure and friction pushing the wart deeper into the skin

Common Signs of a Plantar Wart

• A small, rough, grainy lesion on the sole of the foot

• A hard layer of skin over the wart

• Tiny black dots (clotted capillaries)

• A “lump” or pebble‑like feeling under the foot

• Pain when the area is squeezed from the sides, rather than direct downward pressure

• Discomfort when walking or standing

When Plantar Warts Need Care

A plantar wart should be assessed or treated when it:

• Becomes painful or interferes with walking

• Spreads or multiplies

• Persists for several months

• Develops thick callus over the top

• Occurs in people with fragile skin or reduced sensation

• Does not respond to basic home care

Treatment Options (Performed by a Podiatrist)

A podiatrist may use one or a combination of the following treatments:

• Debridement
  Gentle removal of thickened skin to reduce pressure and improve treatment effectiveness.
  
  

• Freezing (Cryotherapy)
  Controlled cold therapy to damage wart tissue.
  
  

• Acid Therapy
  Medical‑grade acids (e.g., salicylic acid) to gradually break down the wart.
  
  

• Swift® Microwave Therapy
  Uses microwave energy to stimulate the body’s immune response.
  
  

• Silver Nitrate
  A chemical cautery option to destroy wart tissue.
  
  

• Needling Technique
  Introduces the virus deeper into the skin layers to trigger a stronger immune response.
  
  

• Surgical Removal
  Reserved for persistent or resistant warts.
  
  

Natural & Supportive Management

• Keep feet clean and dry

• Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas

• Use protective padding to reduce pressure

• Maintain healthy skin to reduce viral entry points

• Avoid picking or cutting warts, as this can spread the virus

Immune Response in Children

In children, plantar warts often resolve naturally as their immune system recognises and clears the virus.
Because of this, it is common to wait 3–6 months to allow the body’s immune response to work before considering more invasive treatments, unless the wart is painful or spreading.