Verrucae are common and usually harmless. Most will clear on their own, but simple self-care and prevention can reduce spread and discomfort.
What is a verruca?
A verruca is a type of wart that develops on the sole of the foot. It is caused by a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV).
They may appear:
- As rough, hard areas of skin
- Flat due to pressure from walking
- With small black dots (tiny blood vessels)
- Sometimes described as having a cauliflower surface
Verrucae can occur alone or in clusters (this is known as mosaic verrucae).
What causes verrucae?
Verrucae are caused by a viral infection of the skin.
The virus spreads through:
- Direct skin contact
- Contaminated surfaces (e.g. floors, towels, footwear)
You are more likely to catch the virus if your skin is:
- Wet
- Damaged
- Exposed in communal areas
Where are they commonly caught?
The virus is often picked up in places where people walk barefoot, such as:
- Swimming pools
- Changing rooms
- Gym and shower areas
Signs and symptoms
Verrucae are usually harmless, but may cause discomfort or pain, especially on weight-bearing areas of the foot.
- Pain or tenderness (especially when walking or standing)
- A feeling like “standing on a small stone”
- Thickened skin over the area
If the area is painful when you pinch it from side to side, similar to squeezing a spot, it is more likely to be a verruca. If it is painful when pressed directly from above and there are no black dots, it may be more likely to be a corn.
Do verrucae need treatment?
Treatment is not always necessary.
- Many verrucae will clear naturally over time as the immune system fights the virus
- This can take months or sometimes years
Treatment may be considered if the verruca is:
- Painful
- Spreading
- Causing concern or embarrassment
Self-care advice
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Avoid picking, touching or scratching the verruca
- Consider covering it with a plaster when swimming
- Change socks daily
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing
You can also use a disposable file to gently reduce thickened skin if needed, and avoid sharing towels, socks or footwear.
- Gently file thickened skin (use a disposable file and do not share it)
Treatment options
There are a number of treatments available. However, no single treatment is guaranteed to be 100% effective and the verruca may return.
Leaving the verruca to go away by itself is one option. However you may want to consider treatment if the verruca is painful and impacting on your daily life.
In the first instance, avoid touching or scratching the verruca, as this may result in further spread of the virus.
Cover with a small piece of zinc oxide tape (2mm larger than the size of the verruca), and apply directly over the lesion. The verruca needs to be kept covered with the tape at all times, only changing after bath/shower. This treatment is designed to occlude the lesion, and proven to be effective for some. It is a good choice for children as other treatments can be painful and cause side effects
This treatment comes in gels, creams, medicated plasters and paints that are available over the counter from your local pharmacy. Care should always be taken to ensure medication is applied directly over the lesion, to avoid damage to healthy surrounding skin. Applying a small piece of zinc oxide slightly larger than the verruca, and cutting a hole in the middle will protect the surrounding area and also act as a barrier, so ensuring the medication is directly applied onto the lesion. Masking the surrounding skin with vaseline will also reduce risk of damaging the healthy skin.
Check with your pharmacist before using salicylic acid, as this treatment is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or with compromised circulation. It is important to always use as directed.
If needed, further options may include treatments available through your GP or a private HCPC-registered podiatrist.
- Cryotherapy (freezing treatment)
- Electrosurgery
- Laser therapy
- Needling
NHS Forth Valley Podiatry Services do not routinely provide treatment for verrucae. If further advice is needed, speak to your GP, pharmacist or a private HCPC-registered podiatrist.
How to prevent verrucae
Do:
- Wear flip-flops in communal areas
- Keep feet clean and dry
- Cover verrucae when swimming
- Wash hands after touching the area
Avoid:
- Walking barefoot in public places
- Sharing towels, socks or footwear
- Picking or scratching the verrucae
When should you seek advice?
You should seek advice from a healthcare professional if:
- The verruca bleeds or changes in appearance
- It becomes unusually painful
- The surrounding skin becomes inflamed or damaged
If you are unsure whether the lesion is a verruca, or if it is impacting your daily life, contact your GP, pharmacist or contact NHS Forth Valley Podiatry.