What is a verrucae?

Reviewed by: Samantha Smith BSc (Hons) MRCPod

HCPC Registered Podiatrist

Last reviewed: July 2026

If you've noticed a rough patch of skin on the bottom of your foot that's painful when walking or standing, you may have a verruca.

A verruca (plural: verrucae) is a wart that develops on the sole of the foot. It is caused by infection with certain types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), most commonly HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27 and 57. The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin and infects the outer layer of the epidermis, causing skin cells to multiply more rapidly than normal. (1–3) 

Although verrucae are harmless in most people, they can become painful, particularly when they develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot.

Verrucae on foot

What does a verruca look like?

Verrucae vary in appearance but commonly have:

• A rough, grainy surface.

• Tiny black dots. (2)

• Hard skin (callus) covering the lesion.

• Pain when standing or walking.

• A single lesion or a cluster known as a mosaic verruca.

Unlike warts on the hands, plantar verrucae are often pushed inwards because of the pressure placed on the feet during walking. (2) 

| Did You Know? A verruca is caused by a virus, not a build-up of hard skin. This is why simply cutting or removing the hard skin won't cure the infection. Treatment is aimed at managing the verruca while supporting your body's natural immune response. (1,2) |

How do you catch a verruca?

HPV spreads through direct skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Warm, moist communal environments such as swimming pools, changing rooms and showers may increase the opportunity for transmission, particularly if the skin has small breaks. (1,4) 

However, coming into contact with HPV does not mean you will develop a verruca. Your immune system plays a major role in whether the virus establishes an infection. (2,5) 

Why are verrucae sometimes difficult to treat?

HPV lives within the skin cells, allowing it to avoid the immune system for a period of time. As a result, some verrucae disappear naturally while others persist despite treatment. (1,2) 

Research consistently shows that there is no single treatment that works for every patient. Treatment success depends on several factors, including the person's immune response, the age of the verruca and previous treatments. (1,2,6) 

Do I need treatment?

Not all verrucae require treatment, and many will disappear naturally as the immune system clears the virus. (1,3)

If your verruca is painful, spreading or affecting your daily activities, treatment may be appropriate. However, before starting any treatment, it's important to have the lesion correctly diagnosed, as several foot conditions can look similar to a verruca. (2,3)

Many people search online for "how to treat my verruca at home" or the best home treatment for a verruca. While over-the-counter treatments are widely available, they are not suitable for everyone and can damage the surrounding healthy skin if used incorrectly. They may also be used on lesions that are not actually verrucae, delaying the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. (1,3,4)

For this reason, we recommend seeking professional advice before starting treatment. At Brandon Podiatry, we'll assess your symptoms, confirm whether the lesion is a verruca and discuss the most appropriate management options based on the best available evidence and your individual circumstances.

What treatment options are available?

Many verrucae resolve naturally without treatment as the immune system eventually clears the virus. In children, around half resolve within one year and approximately two-thirds within two years, although clearance in adults may take considerably longer. (3,5)

If your verruca is painful, persistent or affecting your daily activities, there are several management options available. These may include:

• Monitoring ("watch and wait") – many verrucae resolve naturally without intervention.

• Debridement – carefully reducing the overlying hard skin (callus) can help relieve discomfort and make walking more comfortable. It is important to note that debridement does not remove the HPV infection itself, but may improve symptoms while the body's immune system responds to the virus. (2,6)

• Verrutop® – a topical treatment applied by your podiatrist that may be appropriate for some patients.

• Other treatment options – depending on your individual circumstances, your podiatrist may discuss additional treatments that are suitable for you.

There is no single treatment that is effective for everyone. Current evidence suggests that treatment should be individualised, taking into account factors such as:

• Your age.

• How long the verruca has been present.

• Whether it is painful.

• Previous treatments.

• Your medical history.

• Your personal preferences.

Together, you and your podiatrist can discuss the benefits and limitations of each option and decide on the most appropriate treatment plan for you. (1–3)

When should I see a podiatrist?

Book an appointment if:

• Your verruca is painful.

• It has spread.

• Home treatment hasn't worked.

• You're unsure whether it's a verruca.

• You have diabetes or poor circulation.

• The lesion changes in appearance.

Early assessment can help ensure the correct diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate management options.

References (Vancouver)

1. Kwok CS, Gibbs S, Bennett C, Holland R, Abbott R. Topical treatments for cutaneous warts. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(9):CD001781.

2. García-Oreja S, Álvaro-Afonso FJ, García-Álvarez Y, et al. Topical treatment for plantar warts: A systematic review. Dermatol Ther. 2021;34:e14621.

3. Sterling JC, Gibbs S, Haque Hussain SS, Mohd Mustapa MF, Handfield-Jones SE. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts 2014. Br J Dermatol. 2014;171(4):696–712.

4. Lipke MM. An Armamentarium of Wart Treatments. Clin Med Res. 2006;4(4):273–293.

5. British Association of Dermatologists. Guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts. Epidemiology, natural history and diagnosis.

6. Vlahovic TC, Khan MT. The human papillomavirus and its role in plantar warts: A comprehensive review of diagnosis and management. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2016;33:337–353. (Referenced by the systematic review.)

7. Cockayne S, Curran M, Denby G, et al. EVerT: Cryotherapy versus salicylic acid for the treatment of verrucae: A randomised controlled trial. Health Technol Assess. 2011;15(32):1–170.