Warts on the foot—also called plantar warts—are a common and often frustrating condition. They can be painful, stubborn, and easy to confuse with other foot problems like corns or calluses. Understanding what causes plantar warts and how they’re treated can help you address them early and avoid unnecessary discomfort.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks, typically on the bottom of the foot. Because of the pressure from standing and walking, plantar warts often grow inward rather than outward, which can make them especially painful.
They most commonly appear on:
- The heel
- The ball of the foot
- Areas of high pressure
Plantar warts may appear as a single lesion or in clusters known as mosaic warts.
How to Recognize a Plantar Wart
Plantar warts can look similar to calluses, but there are a few key differences:
- Pain with pressure, especially when walking or standing
- Small black dots (often called “seeds,” which are actually tiny blood vessels)
- Disruption of normal skin lines on the sole of the foot
- A rough, thickened surface
If you’re unsure whether a spot on your foot is a wart, a medical evaluation is important—especially if it’s painful or not improving.
How Do You Get Foot Warts?
HPV thrives in warm, moist environments. You’re more likely to pick up the virus by walking barefoot in places such as:
- Public showers
- Locker rooms
- Swimming pool decks
Certain people are more susceptible, including:
- Children and teenagers
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- People with excessive sweating of the feet
Once infected, the virus can spread to other areas of the foot—or to other people.
Treatment Options for Plantar Warts
While some plantar warts may resolve on their own, many require treatment, particularly if they are painful or spreading.
Common treatment options include:
- Topical medications (such as salicylic acid)
- Cryotherapy (freezing the wart)
- Prescription-strength treatments
- Minor in-office procedures for resistant warts
Because plantar warts can be deep and stubborn, over-the-counter treatments are not always effective. A foot specialist can tailor treatment based on the size, depth, and duration of the wart.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foot Warts
Left untreated, plantar warts can:
- Become increasingly painful
- Spread to other parts of the foot or body
- Spread to family members
- Interfere with walking, exercise, and daily activities
Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and less discomfort.
Preventing Plantar Warts
You can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing sandals or flip-flops in public showers and pool areas
- Keeping your feet clean and dry
- Avoiding sharing shoes, socks, or towels
- Covering existing warts to prevent spread
When to See a Foot Specialist
You should seek professional care if:
- The wart is painful or growing
- Home treatments aren’t working
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system
- You’re unsure whether the lesion is a wart
Plantar warts are common—but you don’t have to live with the pain. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most foot warts can be successfully resolved.
By. Dr. Yavor Geshev, DPM, FACPM
