Viral lesions that cause pain when walking and do not go away on their own. Differential diagnosis with calluses and personalised treatment depending on type, size and duration.
Plantar warts (also known as plantar papillomas) are skin lesions on the sole of the foot caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), specifically serotypes 1, 2, 4, 27 and 57. They are not calluses — although they are sometimes mistaken for them — and do not disappear on their own with moisturising creams or filing.
The virus enters through small cracks or maceration on the sole of the foot, usually after walking barefoot on damp communal surfaces: swimming pools, gym changing rooms, communal showers, hotels. Once inside, it can take weeks or months for the wart to appear, and it is usually found in areas subject to pressure: the heel, metatarsal heads, and toes.
The clinical detail that distinguishes a wart from a callus: a wart hurts when pinched from the side, not when pressed from above. A callus is the opposite. Furthermore, a wart usually has small black dots visible on its surface — these are the thrombosed capillaries that feed it.
Don’t wait until there are several or they become very large. Plantar warts are best treated as soon as possible:
There is no single ‘best’ treatment for all warts. The choice depends on the size, depth, number of lesions, the patient’s age and how long the condition has been present. During the consultation, I assess and propose:
At your first appointment, I will explain which treatment is best for you based on your condition, how many sessions you are likely to need, and what to do at home between sessions to speed up healing.
Plantar warts are easily spread and reinfection is common if habits are not changed. Essential recommendations:
It depends on the size and depth. Most are resolved in 2–4 sessions spaced 2–3 weeks apart. Large or clustered warts may require 6–8 sessions combining techniques.
Cryotherapy causes brief discomfort during application (an intense burning sensation lasting a few seconds). Chemical treatments do not hurt when applied but may cause discomfort between sessions. Minor surgery is performed under local anaesthetic — it does not hurt at the time.
Yes, generally speaking. I’ll advise you on how to cover the area and what type of footwear to wear. For surgical treatments, there is a recovery period of 7–14 days.
The virus is spread through direct contact or via shared damp surfaces. At home, avoid sharing towels, socks and trainers whilst the wart is active. Once it has cleared up, there is no risk.
Recurrences are possible if the immune system does not completely eliminate the virus. The best prevention is to complete the full course of treatment (do not stop at the first sign of improvement) and maintain good hygiene habits.
It can be treated, and the sooner the better. In children, I prefer non-invasive techniques: gentle cryotherapy or low-concentration acids. I explain everything to the parents at the first appointment.
One session and you’ll walk differently.