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Understanding Plantar Warts
A plantar wart is a small, noncancer growth on the bottom of the foot. Plantar warts often develop where friction or pressure occurs, such as on the ball of the foot. The word plantar refers to the sole of the foot. Similar warts can occur on other areas of the body such as the hands. Plantar warts are more common in children and young adults.
What causes a plantar wart?
Plantar warts are caused by a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus).
They can be spread by person-to-person contact. Or you can develop one if you walk barefoot on moist surfaces infected with the virus. This might be in a community pool area or locker room. Wearing the correct footwear in such places can prevent them.
What are the symptoms of plantar warts?
Plantar warts cause a thick, rough, and often raised patch of skin on the bottom of the foot. The wart may have black dots on it. These dots are dried blood. The wart may cause pain or discomfort. You may also have trouble walking because of the pain.
How are plantar warts treated?
Many plantar warts go away without any treatment. But for those that are painful or that don’t go away, several treatments are available. The most common treatments include:
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Salicylic acid. This is put directly on the wart. It may come in the form of a liquid, ointment, pad, or patch. It's available over the counter. Don't use salicylic acid treatment for more than 12 weeks without talking with your healthcare provider.
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Cryotherapy. Your provider puts liquid nitrogen on the wart with a cotton swab or spray. This treatment might be painful.
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Medicine. A variety of medicines can be put on or injected into the wart. But research is mixed on how well they work.
There are many folk remedies for plantar warts, but some of these are unproven and can be dangerous. Talk with your provider about safe methods to try. Often your provider will cut away dead parts of the wart before using other treatments.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider if you have plantar warts that:
Online Medical Reviewer:
Barry Zingman MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Online Medical Reviewer:
L Renee Watson MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
11/1/2021
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