Foot conditions
What is a verruca?
Verrucas are one of the most common foot complaints - and one of the most misunderstood. If you've spotted one, here's what it is, why it happens, and when it's worth getting it looked at.
What causes a verruca?
A verruca is simply a wart that appears on the foot, most often on the sole. It's caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) - the same family of virus behind warts elsewhere on the body. The virus is common and easily passed on, either through direct skin contact or from contaminated surfaces such as swimming pool floors, changing rooms and communal showers, where it tends to thrive in warm, damp conditions.
You're more likely to pick it up if the skin on your feet is wet or has small cuts or breaks, which give the virus an easy way in. After contact, it can take weeks or even months for a verruca to actually appear.
How to recognise one
Verrucas often look like a small, rough, cauliflower-like lump, and may have tiny black dots in the centre - these are small blood vessels, not "roots" as is sometimes believed. A useful clue is that the natural lines of the skin stop at the edge of a verruca and run around it rather than through it. On weight-bearing areas they can feel tender, a bit like standing on a small stone, especially if hard skin has built up over the top.
The short version
Verrucas are harmless, caused by a common virus, and often clear up on their own - but they can be stubborn, uncomfortable, and easy to confuse with other foot problems. If yours is painful, spreading, or you're not sure what it is, a podiatrist can help.
Do they need treating?
Often, no. Many verrucas clear up by themselves once the body's immune system deals with the virus, though this can take months and sometimes considerably longer in adults. If a verruca isn't causing any pain, leaving it well alone is frequently the sensible choice.
Treatment is usually worth considering when a verruca is painful, is spreading, or simply isn't going away. There are several approaches a podiatrist can discuss with you, and the right one depends on the verruca and on your own circumstances. It's especially important not to try to treat verrucas yourself with over-the-counter acids if you have diabetes or reduced circulation - in that case, always get professional advice first.
When to see a podiatrist
It's a good idea to have a verruca looked at if it's painful, if it's multiplying or spreading, if you're not certain it's actually a verruca, or if home treatments haven't worked. A podiatrist can confirm what it is - verrucas are sometimes mistaken for corns - and talk you through the options suited to you.
This article is general information based on NHS guidance on warts and verrucas, and is not a substitute for individual advice.