Signs of a plantar wart
- A rough, grainy growth on the sole, often on the heel or ball of the foot
- Tiny black dots, which are small clotted blood vessels
- Skin lines that go around the wart instead of through it
- Pain when the wart is squeezed from the sides
- Clusters of small warts, called mosaic warts
How they spread
Plantar warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters through small breaks in the skin. They're common in children, teens, and anyone using shared showers, pools, or locker rooms.
Is it a wart or a callus?
They can look alike. See corns and calluses. The exam tells them apart.
If you have diabetes or neuropathy, don't use over-the-counter wart acids or freezing kits on your feet. Have the wart evaluated instead.
Which visit to book
Book the Nail & Skin visit ($149).