Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that appear on the bottom of the foot. They are caused by a viral infection in the skin, most commonly by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts are often found on the weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heel or ball, and can become painful or feel like walking on a pebble.

What Causes Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts develop when HPV enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pool areas. While anyone can get a plantar wart, they are most commonly seen in children, teens, and older adults.

The virus is contagious and can spread through direct contact with the wart or indirectly through shared surfaces.

Signs and Symptoms

Plantar warts may:

• Appear as small, fleshy, rough growths on the bottom of the foot

• Be covered by a layer of hard skin that resembles a callus

• Cause discomfort or pain when walking or standing

• Have tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) on the surface

• Grow inward due to pressure from standing or walking

In some cases, a single wart may appear (solitary wart), or multiple warts may cluster together (mosaic warts), which can be more difficult to treat.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

A foot and ankle specialist can diagnose plantar warts through a simple physical exam. In some cases, the provider may remove a small section of the wart to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other skin conditions.

Treatment Options

While plantar warts may go away on their own, many patients seek treatment for faster relief or to prevent the wart from spreading. Treatment options include:

• Topical medications to gradually remove the wart

• Cryotherapy (freezing) to destroy the wart tissue

• Acid treatments to remove layers of infected skin

• Laser therapy for more stubborn or recurring warts

• Minor surgical removal if other methods are not effective

A biopsy may be recommended in rare cases if the growth does not respond to treatment or there is uncertainty about the diagnosis.

At-Home Care and Precautions

Over-the-counter wart treatments are available, but patients should avoid trying to remove warts themselves. Cutting or picking at a wart can lead to infection or spread the virus. Folk remedies are not recommended and can cause more harm than good.

Preventing Plantar Warts

To reduce your risk of developing or spreading plantar warts:

• Avoid walking barefoot in public places

• Keep feet clean and dry

• Change socks daily

• Do not pick at warts

• Disinfect shower floors if a family member has a wart

• Avoid sharing shoes, socks, or foot care tools