Verruca plantaris (plantar wart)

Verruca plantaris, also known as a plantar wart, is a type of wart that occurs on the sole of the foot. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV, usually types 1, 2, 4) and grows inwards due to the pressure of walking. This can be painful, as the wart presses on underlying nerves.

Causes and infection

• direct skin contact with HPV-contaminated surfaces
• common places of infection: swimming pools, saunas, changing rooms
• walking barefoot on damp floors
• sharing towels or socks

Risk factors are small injuries or cracks in the sole, sweaty feet and a weakened immune system.

Symptoms

• small, hard, horny area on the sole
• pain when walking (“thorn” pressing inwards)
• black dots in the wart (small blood vessels)
• single or in groups (“mosaic warts”)

Treatment

• salicylic acid and freezing sprays from the pharmacy
• podiatric care and careful thinning of the callus over the wart
• freezing with liquid nitrogen by a doctor
• laser therapy or electrocoagulation
• surgical removal only in very stubborn cases

Prevention

• always wear flip-flops in public pools and changing rooms
• keep feet dry, breathable shoes
• do not scratch warts open

More in our guide Warts on the foot.