A foot wart is a common, non-cancerous growth that develops on the sole of the foot, known medically as a plantar wart. These skin growths are caused by a viral infection and are typically benign, though they can cause discomfort. They often appear on weight-bearing surfaces, such as the heel or the ball, where pressure from walking can push the growth inward.
Defining the Appearance of a Plantar Wart
Plantar warts often present as small, grainy lesions with a rough surface texture. Because of the constant pressure applied during standing and walking, warts on the sole of the foot usually grow inward rather than outward, making them appear flatter than other types of warts. The growth may be flesh-colored, gray, or brown, and is frequently surrounded by thickened skin that resembles a callus.
A distinctive feature is the presence of small, dark or black dots within the center of the wart. These dots, sometimes mistakenly called “wart seeds,” are actually clotted capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels that supply the growth. These pinpoint spots are a definitive marker that the growth is a wart. Plantar warts can appear individually or in clusters, which are referred to as mosaic warts.
What Causes Foot Warts
Foot warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is contagious and enters the body through tiny cuts, abrasions, or vulnerable areas in the skin of the foot. The specific strains of HPV that cause plantar warts are different from those that cause genital warts.
The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making public areas like communal showers, locker rooms, and swimming pool decks common sites for transmission. Transmission occurs when a person walks barefoot in these areas and the virus contacts the skin. The wart develops gradually, sometimes taking weeks or months after initial infection before becoming noticeable.
How to Tell if It Is Not a Wart
Foot growths are often confused with corns and calluses, which are layers of thickened, dead skin caused by repeated friction or pressure. Unlike a wart, a callus or corn is not caused by a virus and typically has a smooth, hard surface that is yellowish or gray. Crucially, corns and calluses lack the small black dots of clotted blood vessels that characterize a plantar wart.
Another differentiator is the pain profile when pressure is applied to the growth. Pressing directly down onto a callus or corn tends to cause the most discomfort, while a wart often causes sharp pain when squeezed from the sides. Furthermore, a wart disrupts the natural, parallel lines of the skin on the foot, whereas the skin lines continue uninterrupted across the surface of a callus.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Although many plantar warts may eventually resolve on their own, professional consultation is warranted if the growth is causing significant pain or limits your ability to walk comfortably. You should seek medical care if the wart bleeds easily, changes color, or begins to spread rapidly. Signs of infection, such as increased swelling, redness, warmth, or pus drainage, also require immediate attention.
Individuals with underlying health conditions, particularly diabetes or poor circulation, must consult a healthcare provider for any new foot growth. These conditions can make minor foot issues prone to complications or non-healing wounds, making professional monitoring necessary. If you are unsure of the diagnosis or if home treatments have failed to clear the wart after several weeks, a doctor can confirm the issue and recommend stronger treatments.