What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are a relatively harmless growth on the soles of the feet but can be annoying or embarrassing and sometimes painful when left untreated. They tend to be more common in adults as opposed to children but can develop in people of any age. Typically, plantar warts will go away on their own in a matter of months, especially in children under 12, although treatment is required if you’d like to get rid of them sooner.
What causes plantar warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the papillomavirus, or HPV, when it enters through cuts or weak spots in the skin. There are more than 100 strains of the virus, but only a few of them will result in plantar warts on your feet. Some people may be exposed to the virus and never develop plantar warts, while others may. While not highly contagious from person to person, the strain of virus that causes plantar warts thrives in warm, moist places – so contracting the virus in places like public pools or locker rooms is common.
What are symptoms of plantar warts?
Plantar wart signs and symptoms include:
- A small, rough growth on the bottom of your foot, usually at the base of the toes or on the ball or heel
- Hard, thickened skin (callus) over a spot on the skin, where a wart has grown inward
- Black pinpoints, which are small clotted blood vessels commonly called wart seeds
- A cluster of growths on the sole of the foot
- Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
How are plantar warts diagnosed and treated?
A foot and ankle specialist can usually diagnose a plantar wart by looking at it or cutting off the top layer with a scalpel and checking for dots.
There are several ways to treat plantar warts, although often they will go away on their own without medical intervention. Salicylic and lactic acid may work to treat the infected area. More intensive treatments involve freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen or attempting to destroy the wart with an electrical current.
If non-surgical treatments are not effective at removing the wart, your provider may recommend minor surgery to cut away the wart or destroy it by using an electric needle.
Last Medically Reviewed on April 29, 2026.