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What are warts?
Warts, also called verrucae, are benign skin tumours caused by a virus (human papillomavirus, HPV). They are common on the feet, especially on pressure points such as the heel or ball of the foot. Warts can be painful, especially when walking or standing, and are contagious on direct contact or through damp floors.
Complaints
Warts can lead to:
- Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
- Thickening of the skin or a rough, bumpy area
- Sometimes black dots in the wart, these are small blood vessels
- Discomfort with pressure on the foot, e.g. in shoes
What can a podiatrist do?
A podiatrist can help remove or treat warts and reduce pain:
- Safe and professional wart removal or treatment
- Advice on pressure relief and skin protection
- Advice on hygiene and prevention to prevent spread
- Counselling for recurrent warts or complications
Recovery
Recovery focuses on removing the wart, reducing pain and preventing new warts. With proper treatment and aftercare, the skin can heal and the foot can be comfortably loaded again. Full recovery may take some time, as warts can disappear slowly.