You may be wondering, “What are plantar warts?”, “Do I have plantar warts?”, “Are plantar warts contagious?” or “Who can get plantar warts?”. Not to worry, we are here to address all your concerns.
What are Plantar Warts (Foot Warts)?
Plantar Warts, also known as foot warts, are small, rough skin growths that appear on the soles of the feet. These are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) which thrives in warm, humid settings and is frequently spread in public swimming pools, showers, and gyms. Plantar warts can spread if left untreated, leading to discomfort, pain, and difficulty in performing daily activities.
Symptoms of Plantar Warts
- Hard, rough, and grainy growths on the bottom of the foot
- Pain when walking or standing
- Black dots (clotted blood vessels, sometimes called “wart seeds”)
- Callus-like thickening of the skin
Types of Plantar Warts
1. Solitary Plantar Warts
- Appearance: Usually single, rough, grainy growths.
- Characteristics: Clearly defined borders, sometimes with tiny black dots (thrombosed capillaries) at the center.
2. Mosaic Plantar Warts
- Appearance: Multiple warts clustered closely together, forming a mosaic pattern.
- Characteristics: More difficult to treat due to extensive surface area; usually superficial but may become painful with pressure.
3. Periungual Warts (less common on the foot but can affect toes)
- Appearance: Appear around or under toenails.
- Characteristics: Can distort nail growth and are difficult to treat due to their location.
How Plantar Warts Develop & Spread
Plantar warts usually develop in warm, humid places like locker rooms or swimming pools where the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can infiltrate the skin through tiny wounds or fissures. Following infection, the virus replicates within the epidermal layer while remaining silent for weeks to months without causing any symptoms. A little, scratchy bump slowly forms, eventually turning into a wart that presses inward when walking or standing. As the wart develops, it gets more pronounced, frequently uncomfortable or painful, especially when pressure is applied, and may have distinctive black dots—tiny occluded blood vessels—in the middle. Additionally, there is a greater chance at this point that the wart will spread locally or to other people through direct or indirect contact.
Differentiating Corn vs. Plantar Warts vs. Callus
Although Plantar Warts (foot warts) are similar looking to Corn and Callus on your foot, there are differences that you can tell from the naked eye.
| Feature | Corn | Plantar Warts | Callus |
| Cause | Friction & Pressure | Virus (HPV) | Repeated Friction |
| Texture | Hard, central core | Rough, grainy, may have cauliflower-like appearance | Thick, broad rough skin |
| Pain | Hurts when pressed directly | Hurts when squeezed from the sides | Usually painless |
| Common Locations | Toes, bony prominences | Sole of the foot | Soles, heels, sides of feet |
| Black Dots | No | Yes | No |
Causes of Plantar Warts (Foot Warts)
- Direct Contact
- Walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces (e.g., swimming pools, showers, locker rooms).
- Touching another person’s wart.
- Indirect Contact:
- Shared footwear, socks, towels, or pedicure tools.
- Moist, warm environments increase virus survival.
There are certain factors increasing the risk of you getting infected with Plantar Warts, specifically:
Treatments for Plantar Warts (Foot Warts)
At Physio and Sole Clinic, we offer evidence-based treatments to remove plantar warts safely and effectively:
1. Cryotherapy (Wart Freezing)
A quick and effective method using cold gas to freeze and destroy the wart tissue. Although cryotherapy will cause pain, it is typically tolerable. It will be much less painful after the first two days of soreness. You are still able to carry out your day-to-day activities.
2. Thorough Removal and Debridement
The hard skin layers and wart tissue are carefully removed, ensuring that it would not re-occur in the future
3. High Concentration Salicylic acid Application
With salicylic acid application, wart tissue can be destroyed and recurrence can be prevented.
An average of 4–8 sessions of recurrent treatment may be necessary for full remission because warts are infamously difficult to treat and have a high recurrence rate.
Why you should not ignore Plantar Warts (Foot Warts)
1. They can Grow and Multiply
If it is ignored for a long period of time, the wart will grow larger and embed deeper into the skin. The wart may also spread to your foot, toes and hands.
2. They will become painful and affect walking
Although Plantar Warts may only look like a rough patch of skin, it will cause pain when pressure is applied on it while walking or running.
3. High Risk of Infection
Plantar warts are considered an open wound. It is vulnerable to bacterial infections and swelling may occur, causing further discomfort.
Prevention of Plantar Warts: How to Keep Your Feet Wart-Free
Tips for Pain Relief of Plantar Warts
From the time of seeking treatment to going for your podiatry appointment, you may be experiencing some difficulties from the pain while traveling by foot. Here are some tips so that you can go on with your daily activities.
- Maintaining healthy skin through gentle exfoliation also contributes to overall comfort. While these tips alleviate pain effectively, professional treatment by a podiatrist is crucial for lasting relief and recovery
- Cushioning pads or donut-shaped protective plasters reduce direct pressure on the wart during walking, while comfortable footwear and orthotic insoles redistribute weight and ease discomfort.
- Applying ice packs wrapped in a towel for 10–15 minutes can temporarily numb pain and decrease inflammation. Over-the-counter topical anesthetic creams containing lidocaine or benzocaine also offer quick relief by numbing the affected area.
- Regular warm foot soaks, especially with Epsom salts, help soothe soreness and soften surrounding skin, making gentle exfoliation easier. Additionally, taking oral anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can provide temporary relief, while resting and elevating your foot reduces swelling and pain.
Why you should see a Podiatrist for Plantar Warts
- Podiatrists accurately distinguish warts from similar skin conditions (corns, calluses, melanoma, etc.).
- Access to effective treatments like cryotherapy or salicylic acid
- Provide comprehensive advice on prevention and hygiene.
- Early intervention reduces discomfort, especially important for deep or mosaic warts.
When should you visit a Podiatrist?
1. Wart is painful and affecting daily activities
2. Wart is multiplying or forming clusters
3. Occurrence of redness, swelling, bleeding, discharge or extreme sensitivity
4. Recurrence of warts after treatment
5. Uncertainty from Self-Diagnosis
Debunking Myths Regarding Plantar Wart Removal
There are many misconceptions on the topic of plantar warts. Let’s clear up the confusion:
Myth: Plantar warts will go away on their own.
Fact: While some warts go away on their own, many persist and will worsen if treatment is not performed.
Myth: You can cut off a wart at home.
Fact: DIY wart removal can lead to infection and recurrence. Professional treatments are safer and more effective.
Myth: Plantar warts are a sign of poor hygiene.
Fact: Individuals with excellent foot hygiene can contract HPV from contaminated surfaces too.
Why should you choose Physio and Sole Clinic for your Wart Treatment?
Physio & Sole Clinic stands out for its trusted expertise, patient-centric approach, and convenient accessibility across Singapore. Recognised and trusted by doctors, our professional team supports comprehensive podiatric care. We prioritise personalised treatment, ensuring the best outcomes tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With 10 conveniently located clinics around Singapore, accessing holistic care has never been easier.
Check out our reels here to get a better idea of Plantar Warts Treatment. Book your appointment with us today!
