Plantar wart commonly known as a verruca

Plantar warts (commonly known as a verruca) are typically found on the soles of the feet, especially at pressure points such as on the heels or balls of the feet. While these warts are not particularly dangerous, they can be very painful because of the fact that they grow inwards.

Plantar warts can often be mistaken for corns or calluses, but they are recognizable because they are generally flesh colored growths that are hard, flat and have very clearly defined boundaries.

Under normal circumstances, plantar warts will show the small black dots caused by broken blood vessel ends which would give you a further indication that you have plantar warts, rather than corns or calluses.

Because they are generally found at pressure points on the soles of the feet, these warts can be extremely painful. Consequently, as children in particular are very prone to plantar warts, it is often the case that the warts mean they can hardly walk at all.

Compared to many other types of wart, plantar warts are not especially contagious, but the particular strain of HPV that causes them thrives in moist, warm conditions like those that would be found in locker rooms or public swimming pools.

It is for this reason that plantar warts are very common in youngsters who use public swimming pools on a regular basis. Extended time in the water softens the soles of their feet, the abrasive edge of the pool cuts or scratches their feet, and finally they enter the communal changing area. In these circumstances, it is hardly any wonder that so many children who enjoy swimming end up with warts almost every time they go to the public pool.

It is possible for plantar warts to disappear entirely naturally, but it is far more likely that they will spread if left untreated. For this reason, it is always best to treat plantar warts as soon after discovery as possible, because if they are left untreated, they can grow to an inch or more.

Furthermore, because they shed infectious cells all over the sole of the foot very quickly, it does not take long for a community of plantar warts to develop if the initial infection is not quickly dealt with.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that plantar warts can be extremely painful, so there is no question but that the wart has to be dealt with immediately. Although there is a chance that it might go away on its own (depending on the strength of your immune system), it is pretty unlikely, and who wants to wait while they are in pain?