Plantar Warts: Why They Happen and How to Treat Them Effectively

Introduction

Plantar warts are noncancerous growths that develop on the bottoms of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), most commonly types 1, 2, 4, 10, 27, and 57. These warts are usually circular and flat and often have a rough, cauliflower-like surface. Small black dots may be seen on the wart—these represent tiny blood vessels. Plantar warts are common and typically not serious, though they may become painful if located on weight-bearing areas of the foot. The virus enters the skin through small openings or cuts and remains in the outermost skin layer rather than spreading throughout the body. A variety of treatments exist, including at-home remedies and procedures performed in a healthcare provider’s office.

How Do People Get Them?

Plantar warts develop after the skin comes into contact with HPV. The virus lives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, pool decks, and showers. It enters the skin through tiny breaks, which can occur simply from walking barefoot. The virus can also spread through direct contact with an existing wart or by sharing socks or shoes. Not everyone who encounters the virus develops warts—individual immune responses vary greatly, even among people within the same household.

Who is More Likely to Get Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts can occur at any age, but they are most common in children and teenagers, particularly those between ages 12 and 16. Individuals with weakened immune systems and those who frequently go barefoot in public spaces are at increased risk. Someone who has had plantar warts in the past may also be more likely to develop them again.

Symptoms

A person with a plantar wart may experience pain when standing or walking. The area may feel tender when pressed, similar to the sensation of “walking on a pebble.” On examination, the wart may have a rough texture and tiny black dots. The normal skin lines of the foot are often disrupted in the area of the wart.

When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?

Although plantar warts are typically harmless, medical evaluation is recommended if they are painful, spreading, or do not improve after several weeks of home treatment. People with diabetes, neuropathy, weakened immune systems, or poor circulation should avoid self-treatment and seek care from a healthcare provider, as complications can occur more easily. Diagnosis is usually made by visual examination, and your provider may gently shave the surface to reveal pinpoint bleeding. If needed, tools such as dermatoscopy (a magnifying glass for the skin) or ultrasound can help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Most treatments aim to remove or destroy the virus-containing skin cells. Warts can be persistent, and treatment may take several weeks or months. Without treatment, warts may grow larger—sometimes an inch or more—or spread into clusters known as mosaic warts.

At-home treatments

• Salicyclic Acid: Available over the counter in concentrations of 17-40%. For best results, soak the foot in warm water and use a pumice stone to remove dead skin before application.

• At-Home Cryotherapy: Freezes the wart, though typically less effective than in-office treatments

• Duct Tape Method: Cover the wart for several days, then soak and file before reapplying. Research results vary, but is low-cost and low-risk.

• Natural Resolution: Some warts disappear on their own, though recurrence is possible.

These methods are considered safe for healthy individuals. However, they should not be used by people with diabetes, poor circulation, compromised immunity, or an active infection.

In-Office Treatments

Healthcare providers have additional treatment options, including:

• Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen): Freezing the wart, with a success rate of 50-70%.

• Cantharidin (Blistering Medication): Applied topically, causing blistering that removes infected tissue. Effectiveness ranges from 80-100%.

• Laser Therapy: Destroys wart tissue by targeting blood vessels (60-70% effectiveness).

• Bleomycin: A medication injected directly into the wart; very effective, often requiring fewer treatments (80-90% effectiveness).

• Other Options: Prescription-strength salicyclic acid, immune therapy, or surgical removal.

Prevention

The best approach is prevention. Wear footwear in public spaces, especially public showers and pools. Keep feet clean and dry, avoid sharing socks or shoes, and refrain from picking or touching warts. Practicing good hygiene helps reduce spread.

Conclusion

Plantar warts are common and generally manageable growths caused by HPV. While some cases resolve with at-home treatments, many require professional care—especially when pain, persistence, or underlying health concerns are present. Understanding how plantar warts spread and how to prevent them can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence. With appropriate treatment and preventive measures, most people can successfully eliminate plantar warts and return to comfortable, pain-free activity.

References: 

American Podiatric Medical Association. Warts. In: Patients & the Public: Conditions Affecting the Foot & Ankle. Rockville (MD): American Podiatric Medical Association; 2025. https://www.apma.org/patients-and-the-public/conditions-affecting-the-foot-and-ankle/warts/. Accessed November 3, 2025. (apma.org)

Fisher J. Plantar warts: Options for treating this common foot condition. Harvard Health Publishing. May 19, 2025. Accessed November 3, 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/plantar-warts-options-for-treating-this-common-foot-condition

García-Oreja S, Álvaro-Afonso FJ, Tardáguila-García A, López-Moral M, García-Madrid M, Lázaro-Martínez JL. Efficacy of cryotherapy for plantar warts: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dermatol Ther. 2022;35(6):e15480. doi:10.1111/dth.15480

Mayo Clinic Staff. Plantar warts — symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. Published February 7, 2024. Accessed November 3, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20352691

Rayo Pérez AM, Juárez Jiménez JM, Rayo Rosado R, García de la Peña R. The effectiveness of topical treatment for plantar warts: A retrospective cohort study. Infect Dis Rep. 2024;16(6):1108-1117. doi:10.3390/idr16060090

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