Plantar wart

A plantar wart, or verruca vulgaris, is a wart occurring on the bottom of the foot or toes. Its color is typically similar to that of the skin. Small black dots often occur on the surface. One or more may occur in an area. They may result in pain with pressure such that walking is difficult.

Plantar wart
Other namesVerruca myrmecia, verruca plantaris
Close up image of a large plantar wart
SpecialtyDermatology, Podiatry
SymptomsSkin colored lesion, may be painful
ComplicationsTrouble walking, transmission to other parts of the body, callus formation
DurationTwo years
CausesHuman papillomavirus (HPV)
Risk factorsCommunal showers and pools, barefoot walking, open footwear, prior warts, poor immune function
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms
Differential diagnosisCallus, molluscum contagiosum, squamous cell carcinoma
TreatmentSalicylic acid, chemo-based Fluorouracil and bleomycin, cryotherapy, surgical removal
FrequencyCommon

They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). A break in the skin is required for infection to occur. Risk factors include use of communal showers, having had prior warts, and poor immune function. Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms.

Treatment is only needed if it is causing symptoms. This may include salicylic acid, cryotherapy, chemo-based fluorouracil or bleomycin, and surgical removal. The skin atop the lesion should generally be removed before treatment. In about a third to two-thirds of cases, they go away without specific treatment, but this may take a few years. Plantar warts are common. Children and young adults are most often affected.

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