Definition: hyperkeratotic epidermal lesion caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) on the sole of the foot
Medical terminology: verrucae pedis
A plantar wart is a lesion on the sole of the foot that can cause pain, especial when they are found on the ball of the foot or the heel. Warts are caused by a virus, human papilloma virus (HPV), and appear as a soft central core that is surrounded by thick hardened skin resembling a callus. Multiple tiny black spots can sometimes be seen on the wart as this is the wart’s blood supply.
Around 50% of warts will disappear without treatment, while some warts remain for years. If your warts are causing you pain or discomfort, please see a foot specialist to receive the appropriate treatment to relieve your symptoms.
How can you treat a wart?
Over-the-counter wart pads – contain small traces of salicylic acid to remove the wart
Topical acids – stronger concentrations of salicylic acid or use of cantharidin to produce a blister to help remove the wart
Freezing (cryotherapy) – kills the wart but may be too painful for children to tolerate
Laser therapy – uses light to destroy the blood vessels that supplys the wart, hence killing the wart
Surgical excision – requires numbing the area and physically removing the wart and applying a chemical to the area to help reduce chance of regrowth