What is a plantar wart?
A plantar wart is a benign skin lesion caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It typically appears on the sole of the foot—often on the heel or forefoot. Unlike corns or calluses, warts are infectious and can spread to other areas of the foot or to others.
Typical symptoms
- Rough, raised lesion on the sole
- Black dots inside (coagulated blood vessels)
- Pressure pain (like stepping on a pebble)
- Thickened skin around the wart
- Sometimes appears in “mosaic” form (cluster of warts)
Causes and contagion
The virus enters through small cracks in the skin. Warm, humid environments like pools, public showers, and locker rooms promote transmission. Children, teens, athletes, and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible.
Why treat a plantar wart?
- To prevent spreading to other areas or people
- To relieve pressure pain
- To avoid mosaic warts
- To speed up healing, which can otherwise take months or years
Professional treatments at PodiSanté
Our podiatrists tailor the treatment based on the wart’s depth, size, age, and your skin type:
Precise clinical evaluation
Visual diagnosis and differentiation from corns or other skin lesions.
Lesion debridement
Removes outer layers of skin to expose the infected area and enhance treatment effectiveness.
Topical professional treatments
Powerful keratolytic solutions applied under supervision—far more effective than over-the-counter products.
At-home prescription treatments
Custom-prescribed creams combined with follow-ups for complete resolution with minimal discomfort.
Laser therapy (as needed)
Targeted therapeutic laser helps regenerate tissue and fight the virus.
Prevention tips
Hygiene protocols, shoe disinfection, and measures to prevent recurrence or contagion.
Did you know? Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) is often ineffective for adults and teens. Their skin is too thick for the freezing to be effective—and it can be painful.
Applying intense cold (liquid nitrogen) to destroy infected cells is not the treatment of choice for plantar warts in adolescents and adults. Indeed, the skin is too thick at a certain age, making this type of treatment painful and ineffective.
Frequency and duration of treatment
Wart treatment often requires multiple sessions spaced 2 to 5 weeks apart. Patience is key. Results vary depending on immune response and lesion depth.
