When warts appear on the soles of the feet, these are known as verrucae. Warts are contagious, but in most people with no underlying health conditions, the risk of catching them is low.
Most people will develop a wart at some point in their lives, and there are several different types of warts. Warts commonly appear on the hands, knees, or feet, but they can also appear on the face.
Warts don’t usually cause other symptoms, but they might be painful, especially if they are located in or near areas like the nail beds. Often people are more affected by the way they look than by any physical symptoms, and this can negatively impact self-esteem.
Warts and verrucae usually resolve on their own, and typically the GP or pharmacist can offer over the counter solutions to help speed up the process, but sometimes other treatments might be suitable.
Warts and Verrucae
When warts appear on the soles of the feet, these are known as verrucae. Warts are contagious, but in most people with no underlying health conditions, the risk of catching them is low.
People who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed as a result of health conditions or taking certain medications might be more likely to develop a wart or verruca, and so they should take care to avoid exposure to the viruses that cause them.
Causes of Warts and Verrucae
It’s more likely to become infected if the skin is damaged or wet, which is why warts and verrucae are often linked to pools or gyms.
If warts or verrucae are scratched, they may spread viral particles to other areas of the skin.
People who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed as a result of health conditions or taking certain medications might be more likely to develop a wart or verruca, and so they should take care to avoid exposure to the viruses that cause them.
Symptoms of Warts and Verrucae
Warts and verrucae are caused by specific strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), and as the virus infects skin cells, they cause it to become thicker and coarser.
Common Warts
Plantar Warts
Plane Warts
Genital Warts
Treatment of Warts and Verrucae at Derma
The appointment will begin with an examination of the skin (also called a skin check) and discussing your medical history. If you are seeking to confirm a diagnosis for a child, the dermatologist may ask questions about the medical histories of the parents, in order to rule out any underlying or co-occurring condition.
Most cases of warts and verrucae don’t need treatment – especially since they usually resolve on their own within 6-12 months, and because treatment can be time-consuming or have side-effects, however for those who need or want it, there are treatments available.
The latest and most effective treatment for most warts is using Swift Microwave Treatment, which uses microwaves to treat the underlying HPV.
Cryotherapy or ‘freezing’ is often successful in treating a wart, and topical wart paints might also be suitable. In rare cases, it might be appropriate to undergo a minor surgery called excision to remove a wart.
Together with the dermatologist, you will be able to discuss the latest and most effective treatments and explain all potential side-effects, enabling you to select the best option for you, or for your child.
Whatever your needs, you can rest assured that Derma will provide the very best care with access to the latest research and treatment methods.
Further reading: Patient leaflets from the British Association of Dermatologists
Related Specialists at Derma
Dr Charles Archer
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Special interests in skin cancer, lasers and complex medical dermatology.
Dr Sanju Arianayagam
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Leads the specialist photosensitivity clinic in Oxford.
Dr Rima Clayton
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologyPaediatric dermatologySkin surgery
Founder of Derma Reading, seeing adults and children, with a particular interest in skin cancer and skin surgery.
Dr Rachel Fisher
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interests in skin cancer and vulval dermatology, and clinical lead for dermatology in Reading and West Berkshire.
Dr Sabrina Khan
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interest in vulval dermatology, and lead for the Oxford NHS vulval service.
Dr Inge Kreuser-Genis
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologyPaediatric dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interests in paediatric and vulval dermatology.
Dr Antonia Lloyd-Lavery
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatology
Specialist interests in severe eczema and psoriasis, autoimmune blistering diseases and connective tissue diseases.
Professor Rubeta Matin
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatology
Specialist interests in skin cancer and moles, skin disease in transplant and immunosuppressed patients, and cutaneous lymphoma.
Dr John Reed
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interest in urticaria, angioedema and allergy.
Dr Isabelle Vandormael
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Particular interest in lasers and cosmetic dermatology.