Verrucae: Why They Appear, Why They Persist, and When to Get Them Checked
Verrucae (plantar warts) are one of the most common foot problems seen in clinic, yet they remain one of the most misunderstood. Many people try to manage them quietly at home for months — sometimes years — before seeking help. Recently, there’s been a noticeable rise in people asking about verrucae, often because they’ve become painful, persistent, or simply confusing to diagnose.
The important thing to know is this: verrucae are harmless, but they can be stubborn, uncomfortable, and surprisingly disruptive. Understanding what they are — and what they aren’t — is the first step toward dealing with them properly
What Exactly is a Verruca?
A verruca is a wart that appears on the sole of the foot. It’s caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the outer layer of the skin. Because the skin on the feet is thicker and weight‑bearing, verrucae often grow inward rather than outward, giving them a flattened appearance.
Common features include:
• A rough, grainy surface
• A circular or irregular outline
• Small black dots (tiny blood vessels)
• Pain when squeezed from the sides
• A “cauliflower‑like” texture
They can appear as a single lesion or as a cluster (a mosaic verruca).
How do Verrucae Develop?
HPV thrives in warm, damp environments and enters the skin through tiny breaks or abrasions. You don’t need to see a cut — even microscopic openings are enough.
Common risk factors include:
• Walking barefoot in communal areas
• Minor skin trauma
• Reduced immunity
• Children and teenagers (more susceptible)
• Dry or cracked skin
Despite popular belief, you don’t need to have “poor hygiene” to develop a verruca. Anyone can pick one up.
Are Verrucae Dangerous?
For most people, verrucae are not harmful. They don’t spread through the bloodstream, they don’t cause systemic illness, and they don’t turn into anything sinister.
However, they can become a problem when:
• They’re painful to walk on
• They spread across the foot
• They’re persistent despite home care
• You’re unsure whether it’s a verruca or something else
• You have diabetes or circulation issues
Many conditions — including corns, callus, and even some skin lesions — can mimic verrucae, so a proper diagnosis is often the most valuable step.
Why do Verrucae Last So Long?
This is the part that frustrates most people.
Verrucae persist because:
• The virus hides in the upper layers of the skin
• The immune system doesn’t always recognise it
• Pressure from walking pushes the lesion deeper
• Home treatments are often inconsistent or misapplied
• Many people are treating a corn thinking it’s a verruca
Some verrucae disappear within months. Others linger for years. The variation is entirely down to the immune response — not how “bad” the verruca is.
What Actually Helps?
There are several evidence‑based approaches to managing verrucae, but the right option depends on:
• The size and depth of the lesion
• How long it’s been present
• Your age and general health
• Whether it’s painful
• Whether it’s spreading
Because verrucae behave differently from person to person, there’s no single universal cure. What works brilliantly for one patient may do very little for another.
This is why a podiatric assessment is so useful — not to offer a miracle fix, but to confirm the diagnosis, explain realistic expectations, and discuss appropriate next steps.
What Doesn’t Work
Despite the internet’s enthusiasm, verrucae don’t reliably respond to:
• Banana skins
• Duct tape
• Garlic
• Apple cider vinegar
• “Natural wart removers”
• Random freezing kits used incorrectly
These remedies are usually harmless, but they often prolong the problem and can irritate the surrounding skin.
When Should You Get a Verruca Checked?
It’s worth booking an assessment if:
• The lesion is painful
• It’s spreading or multiplying
• You’re unsure whether it’s a verruca or a corn
• It’s been present for more than a few months
• You have diabetes or reduced sensation
• You want clarity before deciding on any treatment
A simple examination can confirm what’s going on and help you understand your options — without pressure to pursue any particular treatment.
A Final Reassurance
Verrucae are incredibly common, and they’re nothing to be embarrassed about. They’re not a sign of poor hygiene, and they’re rarely serious. But they can be uncomfortable, persistent, and confusing — and that’s where professional guidance makes all the difference.
If you’ve noticed a lesion on your foot and want clarity, reassurance, or a proper diagnosis, we’re here to help.
