What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are non-cancerous skin growths that appear on the soles of the feet due to the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts thrive in warm, moist environments and often enter the skin through small cuts or abrasions. Left untreated, they can become painful, grow in clusters (mosaic warts), and significantly impact mobility. The HPV virus can evade the immune system, making plantar warts persistent and difficult to resolve without professional intervention.
How do you know if you have plantar warts?
- Hard, thickened skin with a rough, grainy texture on the bottom of the foot.
- A visible dark pinpoint (clotted blood vessels) at the centre of the wart.
- Pain or tenderness when walking or standing.
- Warts that grow inward due to the pressure of walking.
- Clusters of warts forming on the foot (mosaic warts).
- Calluses develop around the wart as the body tries to protect the area.