What plantar warts are, how they spread and when persistent or painful verrucas may need professional treatment.
What is a verruca?
A verruca is a plantar wart caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). It often appears as an area of rough skin on the sole and can interrupt normal skin lines. Small dark dots may be visible within the lesion.
Why they can hurt
Because they develop on weight-bearing skin, pressure can push the lesion inward and make walking uncomfortable. Some are painless and resolve spontaneously, while others persist.
Treatment options
Management depends on age, symptoms, duration and previous treatment. Options can include topical treatments, debridement and specialist procedures such as needling in selected cases.
Avoid unnecessary damage
Do not aggressively cut or dig at a lesion yourself. If you are uncertain that a lesion is a verruca, or if you have diabetes, reduced circulation or neuropathy, seek professional assessment before treatment.