Verrucas & Warts

Verrucas are a type of wart that develop on the soles of the feet. They are caused by a viral infection, typically linked to the human papillomavirus, which affects the outer layer of the skin.

Warts can also appear on the toes or around the nails. Verrucas on the foot are often pushed inward due to pressure when walking, which can make them more painful compared to warts elsewhere on the body.

There are several forms of verrucae and warts that may affect the feet, including:

• Plantar verrucae located on the sole of the foot
• Verruca pedis affecting weight-bearing areas
• Single verrucae presenting as one isolated lesion
• Multiple verrucae appearing in clusters
• Mosaic verrucae forming a spread of smaller lesions
• Deep verrucae that grow inward and become painful
• Recurrent verrucae that return after treatment
• Stubborn or resistant verrucae that are slow to resolve
• Warts affecting the toes and surrounding skin
• Viral warts linked to HPV infection
• Periungual warts around the nail edges

Some verrucae may also be mistaken for corns or callus, making professional assessment important.

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and location, but commonly include:

• Pain when walking or weight-bearing
• A rough or thickened area of skin
• Discomfort when pressure is applied
• Small black dots within the lesion
• A feeling of stepping on something under the foot

Pain is often more noticeable when the verruca is located on a pressure point.

Verrucas and warts are caused by a viral infection that enters the skin through small breaks or weaknesses. Contributing factors may include:

• Walking barefoot in communal areas such as gyms or swimming pools
• Direct skin contact with infected surfaces
• Reduced skin integrity allowing the virus to enter
• Repeated pressure on the foot

Not everyone exposed to the virus will develop verrucae, as individual immune response plays a role.

You should seek professional advice if:

• The verruca is painful or affecting your walking
• The lesion is spreading or increasing in number
• Over-the-counter treatments have not worked
• You are unsure whether it is a verruca or another condition
• You have an underlying condition such as diabetes

Early assessment can help prevent progression and guide effective treatment.

At The Foot Lab in Glossop, we carry out a comprehensive clinical assessment to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most suitable treatment approach.

Your appointment may include:

• Examination of the affected skin and lesion characteristics
• Differentiation from corns, callus, or other skin conditions
• Assessment of pain levels and location
• Discussion of previous treatments and response
• Consideration of overall foot health and risk factors

All care follows NICE guidance, Royal College of Podiatry standards, and HCPC professional regulations.

Treatment is tailored to the type, severity, and persistence of the verruca.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Conservative management and monitoring
• Reduction of overlying hard skin to relieve pressure
• Advice on preventing spread and reinfection
• Targeted verruca treatments based on clinical findings
• Referral to specialised options such as verruca treatment where appropriate

Treatment aims to reduce pain, manage the lesion, and support the body’s natural healing response.

At The Foot Lab, we provide a careful and personalised approach to managing verrucae and warts. Our podiatrists are degree-qualified, HCPC registered, and experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions affecting the feet.

Patients choose our clinic because:

• We provide accurate diagnosis and clear guidance
• We tailor treatment based on your specific case
• We offer practical advice to prevent recurrence
• We follow recognised clinical guidelines and best practice
• We focus on both symptom relief and long-term outcomes

Our aim is to manage your condition effectively while minimising discomfort and disruption to your daily life.