Verruca, sometimes called plantar warts or spelled verrucae,  are warts that develop on plantar surfaces -- that is, the soles (or bottom) of the feet.

 

The pressure from normal standing and walking tends to force the warts into the skin, and this can make the warts painful. Like all warts they are harmless and may go away even without treatment, but in many cases they are too painful to ignore. Verruca that grow together in a cluster are known as mosaic warts.

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What causes a verruca ?

 

Verruca like all warts, are caused by a virus that invades the skin through tiny cuts or scrapes. It can take some weeks, or even months, for a verruca to appear after you have caught the infection. This is called the incubation period. Like other viral infections, verrucas are contagious, commonly spread from the surface of floors in public swimming pools, communal showers, or even your shower at home.

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Epidemics of verrucas sometimes break out among people who share gym or athletic facilities or who engage in group activities where bare feet are the rule, such as yoga and martial arts. Because most people build immunity to the virus with age, verrucas are more common in children than in adults

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There are some over the counter treatments available, however,. Treatment of a verruca may involve rubbing off or paring away the dead skin after each treatment.

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This is best done by the practice a foot health care practitioner especially if you have diabetes or any problems with the circulation to the feet. Your practitioner may try applying corrosive solutions such as salicylic acid to the verruca to try to eliminate them.

 

Treatment may take several weeks to be effective. Burning (cautery), freezing with liquid nitrogen, and surgical removal are more aggressive options for more severe conditions.