What Is a Verruca? Causes, Symptoms and How to Get Rid of One

If you've noticed a small, rough patch of skin on the sole of your foot — possibly with tiny black dots and a dull ache when you walk — there's a good chance you're dealing with a verruca. They're extremely common, particularly in children and young adults, and they tend to be more persistent than people expect.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what a verruca actually is, how it's different from other foot lesions, why some last for years, and what treatment options are available.

What Is a Verruca?

A verruca is a wart that appears on the sole of the foot (or sometimes on the toes). It's caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — specifically strains 1, 2, 4 and 63 — which infects the outer layer of skin.

Because it's on the sole of the foot and subject to body weight, a verruca often grows inward rather than outward, which is what makes it painful to walk on. The name 'verruca plantaris' simply means a plantar wart — a wart on the plantar (sole) surface of the foot.

What Does a Verruca Look Like?

Verrucas are often confused with corns or calluses. Here's how to identify one:

•       Appearance: A small, rough, cauliflower-like lesion on the sole of the foot or toe. The surface may look slightly grainy.

•       Black dots: Small black pinpoints are visible within the verruca — these are tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that have grown into the wart. This is the clearest sign that you're looking at a verruca rather than a corn.

•       Pain pattern: Verrucas typically hurt when you squeeze the sides of the lesion — like a pinching pain. Corns hurt more when pressed directly.

•       Skin lines: Normal skin has visible ridges and lines (fingerprint-like). A verruca interrupts these lines, while a callus or corn does not.

•       Size: Anywhere from a few millimetres to over a centimetre. Some verrucas cluster together into a mosaic pattern.

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How Do You Get a Verruca?

Verrucas are caused by HPV, which spreads through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why verrucas are frequently picked up in:

•       Swimming pools and changing rooms

•       Gym showers and communal changing areas

•       Sports halls and dance studios

•       Any shared wet flooring walked on barefoot 

The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin — cuts, grazes or even dry, cracked skin. People with weakened immune systems or skin conditions are more susceptible, but anyone can pick up a verruca if conditions are right.

Are Verrucas Contagious?

Yes — verrucas are contagious, but not highly so. The risk of spreading is greatest in shared wet environments. You're most likely to pass on or pick up the virus when:

•       Walking barefoot in public areas

•       Sharing towels, socks or footwear

•       The verruca is bleeding or has recently been treated

To reduce the risk of spreading, cover the verruca with a waterproof plaster in communal areas, wear flip-flops in changing rooms and pool surrounds, and avoid sharing footwear or towels.

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Will a Verruca Go Away on Its Own?

Possibly — eventually. The immune system can clear the HPV infection over time, particularly in children, and verrucas do sometimes resolve without treatment. However, this can take anywhere from a few months to several years.

Adults tend to have slower immune responses to the virus, meaning verrucas are less likely to clear spontaneously. If a verruca is painful, spreading, growing or has been present for more than 2 years, waiting for natural resolution isn't the most practical option.

Verruca Treatment Options

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Salicylic acid-based products (gels, liquids or medicated plasters) are the most widely used home treatments. They work by gradually breaking down the hard skin covering the verruca. Success rates improve when the treatment is applied consistently for 12+ weeks and the dead skin is filed away between applications.

These treatments are generally safe for adults with no circulation or sensation problems, but should be avoided if you have diabetes.

Professional Treatment

At Finest Feet Footcare in Shifnal, we assess each verruca individually and recommend the most appropriate treatment pathway. Professional options may include more targeted application of treatment, careful reduction of hard overlying skin to improve treatment access, and ongoing monitoring to track response.

If you have a painful verruca that isn't responding to home treatment, a professional assessment will give you a clearer picture of the best route forward.

Struggling to get rid of a verruca? Book a verruca assessment at Finest Feet Footcare in Shifnal →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if it's a verruca or a corn?

The key differences: verrucas have small black dots (blood vessels) within them and hurt when pinched from the sides. Corns have a smooth, translucent, hard centre, no black dots, and hurt when pressed directly downward. If you're still unsure, a foot care professional can confirm the diagnosis.

Can you cut out a verruca yourself?

No. Attempting to cut, dig or pick out a verruca is likely to spread the virus to surrounding skin, cause bleeding and infection, and not remove the root of the infection. Professional treatment is always the safer and more effective option.

Do verruca treatments hurt?

Over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments cause little to no pain when used correctly. Professional treatments vary — your practitioner will explain what to expect and work to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout.

Should I cover my verruca?

In everyday life, there's no need to keep a verruca permanently covered. However, in communal swimming and bathing areas, using a waterproof plaster reduces the risk of spreading the virus. After any treatment, keep the area clean and dry.

Book Verruca Treatment in Shifnal

Verrucas can be stubborn — but they're very treatable. If yours has been around for a while, is causing discomfort or is spreading, our team at Finest Feet Footcare in Shifnal is here to help you get rid of it effectively.

We see patients from Shifnal, Telford, Newport and across Shropshire.

‍‍ ‍💚  Book your appointment at Finest Feet Footcare in Shifnal →  — let’s get your foot health back on track.

‍ ‍Disclaimer: This article is general information and not a substitute for a clinical assessment.

Phone: 01952 872526
Email:finestfeetfootcare@gmail.com

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