Verrucae, also known as plantar warts, are a manifestation of the human papilloma virus (HPV), in the form of non cancerous skin growths on the soles of the feet and toes.

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Compared to normal warts which grow outward, they grow inward, often causing discomfort. For this reason they are often confused with corns, yet they are quite different. Corns are simply layers of dead skin caused by abnormal pressure loads on the foot where as verruca are viral infections of the outer layers of the skin.

Signs & Symptoms

• Feels like a hard lump in the sole of the foot or toes.
• A rough bumpy surface, often likened to cauliflower
• Uncomfortable to pinch (compared with a corn which is not sore with pinching pressure).
• Small black or red spots within the lesion – these are broken blood vessels.

When to seek treatment

• You have tried over the counter verruca treatments and they are not working
• You are not sure if the lump in your foot is a verruca or a corn
• You’ve noticed a dark lesion on your foot
• You’re sick of being in pain!!

How we can help

Verrucae typically appear and regress spontaneously over the course of weeks to months, through immune system activity. Treatment is recommended if there is associated pain or they are long standing.

Treatment of verrucas requires clearing the virus from the skin. We provide advice for conservative at home care and we also offer a surgical procedure that works well if you are generally healthy. If you are immune compromised or run down this procedure will not work well for you. We offer advice on ways to boost your immune system to enhance the treatments.

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