Quick answer
What is verrucas?
A verruca is a wart on the foot caused by a virus (HPV). It appears as a rough, flat spot, sometimes with black dots, and may be painful when you walk. Most verrucas clear without treatment within 2 years. Pharmacy treatments include salicylic acid gels and cryotherapy — see a GP if painful, spreading, or not improving after months.
What is a verruca?
A verruca is a wart on the foot — usually the sole or toes. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), the same virus family that causes warts on hands. Verrucas are very common, especially in children and young adults. They are not harmful in most cases and often disappear without treatment as the immune system clears the virus.
What verrucas look like
- a flat, rough area on the sole — sometimes raised with hard skin over it
- grey, brown or yellow colour
- tiny black dots — clotted blood vessels, not “roots”
- may be painful when walking — pressure on the verruca pushes it inward
- skin lines (striations) go around the verruca rather than through it
Verrucas on weight-bearing areas (heel, ball of foot) hurt most.
How verrucas spread
HPV spreads through:
- direct skin contact with a verruca
- damp surfaces — swimming pool surrounds, communal showers, changing rooms
- shared towels or footwear
The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin. Warm, moist feet are vulnerable — which is why verrucas are common in swimmers.
Prevent spread:
- wear flip-flops in communal showers and pool areas
- cover verrucas with a waterproof plaster when swimming
- do not share towels
- do not pick at verrucas — this spreads the virus
Do verrucas need treatment?
Often not. Many verrucas — especially in children — clear within 6 months to 2 years without treatment. The immune system eventually recognises and eliminates the virus.
Treat if:
- painful and affecting walking
- spreading to other parts of the foot
- cosmetically bothersome
- you have diabetes or weakened immunity — foot lesions need professional assessment
Home treatment
Salicylic acid — available from pharmacies as gels, paints, plasters or pads:
- soak foot in warm water for 5 minutes
- gently file dead skin with emery board (dedicated to verruca — do not use on healthy skin or share)
- apply salicylic acid as directed
- repeat daily or as instructed for up to 12 weeks
Salicylic acid gradually destroys infected tissue. Persistence matters — stopping too early is the commonest reason for failure.
Cryotherapy (freezing) — pharmacy freeze sprays or GP/podiatrist liquid nitrogen. May need several sessions.
Duct tape — limited evidence but harmless to try — cover verruca with duct tape for 6 days, soak and file, repeat.
When to see a GP or podiatrist
Seek professional advice if:
- treatment has not worked after 3 months of consistent use
- verruca is very painful or preventing normal activity
- you have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or poor circulation — do not self-treat foot lesions
- verruca is bleeding, changing appearance, or you are unsure of diagnosis
- multiple verrucas spreading rapidly
GP treatments include stronger salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or referral for electrosurgery and other procedures.
Verruca vs corn vs plantar fasciitis
Corn — hard skin from pressure; skin lines continue through it; usually on bony points.
Verruca — viral; skin lines deviate around it; black dots may be visible.
Plantar fasciitis — heel or arch pain without a visible lesion; worse first steps in morning.
If unsure, a pharmacist or podiatrist can distinguish them.
Verrucas in children
Children often pick up verrucas at swimming lessons. Many clear without treatment — avoid aggressive treatment in young children unless causing significant pain. Salicylic acid is generally suitable from school age — check product age guidance.
Will verrucas come back?
The same verruca usually does not recur once cleared, but you can catch HPV again from a new exposure. Immunity to one HPV type does not protect against all types.
Common questions
- What does a verruca look like?
- A flat, rough, grey or brown spot on the sole of the foot, sometimes with tiny black dots (blood vessels). It may be covered by hard skin. Unlike a corn, a verruca pushes skin lines aside rather than continuing through them.
- How do you treat verrucas at home?
- Salicylic acid gel, paint or plasters from a pharmacy — applied regularly after soaking and filing dead skin. Follow instructions for 12 weeks before deciding it has failed. Cryotherapy (freezing) kits are also available. Cover verrucas with a waterproof plaster at swimming pools.
- Do verrucas need treatment?
- Not always — many clear without treatment, particularly in children. Treat if painful, spreading, or bothering you cosmetically. Untreated verrucas usually resolve within 2 years as the immune system responds.
- Are verrucas contagious?
- Yes — HPV spreads through direct contact and damp surfaces like pool surrounds. Wear flip-flops in communal showers. Do not share towels. Cover verrucas with a waterproof plaster when swimming.
- What is the difference between a verruca and a corn?
- A corn is thickened skin from pressure — skin lines continue through it. A verruca is viral — skin lines go around it. Corns are usually on bony pressure points; verrucas can appear anywhere on the sole.