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 verrucae, 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 verrucae, 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.
Related Specialists at Derma
Dr Antonia Lloyd-Lavery
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Antonia Lloyd-Lavery is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Oxford since 2017. She is fully trained and on the GMC specialist register. She qualified from Oxford University in 2008.
Dr Charles Archer
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Charles Archer is a registered specialist with the GMC and his NHS Consultant post is split between The Royal Berkshire Hospitals and Oxford University Hospitals.
Dr Sanju Arianayagam
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Sanju Arianayagam is a Consultant Dermatologist and gained her dermatology experience at Cambridge University Hospitals, Oxford University Hospitals and the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Dr Rima Clayton
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Rima Clayton is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practises in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.
Dr Sabrina Khan
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Khan consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Dr Rachel Fisher
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Fisher consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Dr Inge Kreuser-Genis
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Kreuser-Genis is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practices in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.
Professor Rubeta Matin
Consultant Dermatologist
Professor Rubeta Matin is a UK trained consultant dermatologist and honorary senior lecturer in Oxford since 2015. She is fully trained and on the GMC specialist register.
Dr John Reed
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr John Reed has been a UK trained consultant dermatologist and senior lecturer in Oxford since 2007