What You Need to Know About Plantar Warts

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Plantar Warts (Verrucae) 

What They Are

- Small, rough growths on the soles of the feet

- Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) entering through tiny cuts or abrasions

- Often painful, especially on weight-bearing areas like heels or balls of the feet

- Can be difficult to treat due to pressure from walking, which pushes them deeper into the skin
 

Why They Can Be Stubborn

- Pressure forms a callus over the wart, masking it

- Virus can evade the immune system

- Can persist for months or years without proper treatment
 

Contagion & Prevention

- Spread by:

• Direct contact with another person (pools, gyms)
• To other areas of your foot
• Via shared surfaces like towels or shoes 

- To reduce spread: Don’t pick at the wart

• Keep it covered if advised
• Wear flip-flops in communal areas
• Don’t share towels or footwear
   

Do They Go Away on Their Own?

- Often, yes – about 65–80% resolve in 1–2 years, especially in children

- Treatment is recommended if the wart is painful, spreading, or persistent
 

Treatment Expectations

- No instant cure; treatments work by:

• Destroying infected skin tissue
• Stimulating the immune system

- Can take weeks to months

- Multiple treatments may be needed

- Recurrence is possible 

- Success depends on immune response, consistency, and duration of the wart
 

Evidence-Based Treatments at LYF Podiatry

- Chemical Treatments 

• Salicylic acid – promotes skin shedding 
• Silver nitrate – cauterizes wart tissue 
• Potassium hydroxide flakes – disrupts viral cells

- Falkner’s Needling

• Fine needle punctures stimulate the immune system to fight the virus from within 

- Cryotherapy (freezing) is no longer considered first-line for plantar warts on weight-bearing areas

Supporting Your Body’s Response

- Zinc supplementation may help, particularly for low zinc levels

- Recommended dose: 15–30 mg elemental zinc per day (under healthcare supervision)

- Supports immune system in clearing the virus
 

When to Seek Professional Help

- Wart is painful, persistent, or spreading 

- Unresponsive to over-the-counter treatments

- Causes discomfort while walking or exercising

…it’s time to seek expert advice. At LYF Podiatry, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment and help you choose the most appropriate, evidence-based solution for your individual case.