What We Treat
Plantar Warts (Verruca)
What is a Plantar Wart
Plantar warts are small, hard growths that develop on the bottom of the foot due to a virus. They often appear on weight‑bearing areas like the heel or forefoot, causing pain with walking, standing, or pressure. Many people mistake plantar warts for corns or calluses, but they require very different treatment — and they rarely go away on their own.
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Plantar warts form when a virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or weak spots. Because they grow inward under pressure, they often feel like a pebble in your shoe.
You may notice:
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A small, rough lesion on the bottom of the foot
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A callus‑like surface with tiny black dots (“wart seeds”)
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Pain when walking or standing
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A lesion that interrupts the natural skin lines
If you’re unsure whether you have a wart or a callus, a chiropodist can assess it during a routine footcare visit.​
Our chiropodists provide safe, effective, and evidence‑based treatment options to remove plantar warts and relieve discomfort.
Plantar warts spread easily in warm, moist environments.
They are common in:
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Gyms and locker rooms
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Swimming pools
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Shared showers
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Households where someone else has a wart
Children, teens, and people with weaker immune systems are more likely to develop them.
To reduce your risk:
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Wear sandals in public showers and pool areas
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Keep feet dry and change socks daily
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Avoid picking at lesions
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Change your socks daily.
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Do not share footwear
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Check your and your children’s feet periodically.
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Disinfect shoes if someone in your home has a wart
If you’re active in sports or swimming, regular foot checks can help catch warts early.
How are Plantar Warts Treated
How We Assess Plantar Warts​
During your visit, a chiropodist will:
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Examine the lesion
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Assess skin lines and pressure points
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Rule out corns, calluses, or foreign bodies
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Determine the best treatment option based on size, depth, and location
If needed, we may also address related issues such as corns, calluses, heel pain, or pressure points that contribute to discomfort.
We offer several safe and effective treatments depending on the severity of the wart and your skin type.
1. Prescription‑Strength Topical Therapy: Medical‑grade acids help break down the wart tissue and stimulate an immune response. These are stronger and more effective than pharmacy products. This kills the wart by cutting off it’s blood supply. Several treatments, usually spaced by approximately 10-14 days, may be necessary to completely kill the virus.
2. Cryotherapy (Freezing): Liquid nitrogen is applied to destroy wart tissue. Multiple sessions may be required.
3. Debridement & Offloading: Removing thickened skin reduces pain and allows treatments to penetrate deeper. Offloading pads or custom orthotics may be recommended if pressure is contributing to discomfort.
5. Routine Footcare Support: For patients with diabetes, neuropathy, or sensitive skin, gentle and regular care helps prevent complications.