--- title: "Verrucas: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "What verrucas are, how to treat warts on the feet at home, and when to see a GP or podiatrist." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/verrucas/ robots: noindex --- # Verrucas: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z What verrucas are, how to treat warts on the feet at home, and when to see a GP or podiatrist. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What are verrucas? A verruca is a wart on the foot caused by a virus (HPV). It appears as a rough, flat spot, sometimes with black dots, and may be painful when you walk. Most verrucas clear without treatment within 2 years. Pharmacy treatments include salicylic acid gels and cryotherapy — see a GP if painful, spreading, or not improving after months. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Verrucas, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 9 sections ## Key facts about verrucas - Verrucas are warts on the soles of the feet — caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). - Spread in warm, damp places — swimming pools and communal showers. - Most clear on their own within 2 years, especially in children. - Salicylic acid from a pharmacy is the main home treatment. - Not usually serious — treatment is for pain or cosmetic reasons. ## What is a verruca? A verruca is a **wart on the foot** — usually the sole or toes. It is caused by the **human papillomavirus (HPV)**, the same virus family that causes warts on hands. Verrucas are very common, especially in children and young adults. They are **not harmful** in most cases and often disappear without treatment as the immune system clears the virus. ## What verrucas look like - a flat, rough area on the sole — sometimes raised with hard skin over it - grey, brown or yellow colour - tiny black dots — clotted blood vessels, not “roots” - may be painful when walking — pressure on the verruca pushes it inward - skin lines (striations) go around the verruca rather than through it Verrucas on weight-bearing areas (heel, ball of foot) hurt most. ## How verrucas spread HPV spreads through: - direct skin contact with a verruca - damp surfaces — swimming pool surrounds, communal showers, changing rooms - shared towels or footwear The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin. Warm, moist feet are vulnerable — which is why verrucas are common in swimmers. **Prevent spread:** - wear flip-flops in communal showers and pool areas - cover verrucas with a waterproof plaster when swimming - do not share towels - do not pick at verrucas — this spreads the virus ## Do verrucas need treatment? **Often not.** Many verrucas — especially in children — clear within **6 months to 2 years** without treatment. The immune system eventually recognises and eliminates the virus. Treat if: - painful and affecting walking - spreading to other parts of the foot - cosmetically bothersome - you have diabetes or weakened immunity — foot lesions need professional assessment ## Home treatment **Salicylic acid** — available from pharmacies as gels, paints, plasters or pads: - soak foot in warm water for 5 minutes - gently file dead skin with emery board (dedicated to verruca — do not use on healthy skin or share) - apply salicylic acid as directed - repeat daily or as instructed for up to 12 weeks Salicylic acid gradually destroys infected tissue. Persistence matters — stopping too early is the commonest reason for failure. **Cryotherapy (freezing)** — pharmacy freeze sprays or GP/podiatrist liquid nitrogen. May need several sessions. **Duct tape** — limited evidence but harmless to try — cover verruca with duct tape for 6 days, soak and file, repeat. ## When to see a GP or podiatrist Seek professional advice if: - treatment has not worked after 3 months of consistent use - verruca is very painful or preventing normal activity - you have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or poor circulation — do not self-treat foot lesions - verruca is bleeding, changing appearance , or you are unsure of diagnosis - multiple verrucas spreading rapidly GP treatments include stronger salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or referral for electrosurgery and other procedures. ## Verruca vs corn vs plantar fasciitis **Corn** — hard skin from pressure; skin lines continue through it; usually on bony points. **Verruca** — viral; skin lines deviate around it; black dots may be visible. **Plantar fasciitis** — heel or arch pain without a visible lesion; worse first steps in morning. If unsure, a pharmacist or podiatrist can distinguish them. ## Verrucas in children Children often pick up verrucas at swimming lessons. Many clear without treatment — avoid aggressive treatment in young children unless causing significant pain. Salicylic acid is generally suitable from school age — check product age guidance. ## Will verrucas come back? The same verruca usually does not recur once cleared, but you can catch HPV again from a new exposure. Immunity to one HPV type does not protect against all types. ## ! When to see a GP about verrucas See a GP or podiatrist if a verruca is very painful and affecting walking, spreading rapidly, not improved after 3 months of pharmacy treatment, or you have diabetes or weakened immunity affecting the feet. People with diabetes should not self-treat foot lesions without professional advice — foot problems need careful assessment. ## Common questions about verrucas What does a verruca look like? A flat, rough, grey or brown spot on the sole of the foot, sometimes with tiny black dots (blood vessels). It may be covered by hard skin. Unlike a corn, a verruca pushes skin lines aside rather than continuing through them. How do you treat verrucas at home? Salicylic acid gel, paint or plasters from a pharmacy — applied regularly after soaking and filing dead skin. Follow instructions for 12 weeks before deciding it has failed. Cryotherapy (freezing) kits are also available. Cover verrucas with a waterproof plaster at swimming pools. Do verrucas need treatment? Not always — many clear without treatment, particularly in children. Treat if painful, spreading, or bothering you cosmetically. Untreated verrucas usually resolve within 2 years as the immune system responds. Are verrucas contagious? Yes — HPV spreads through direct contact and damp surfaces like pool surrounds. Wear flip-flops in communal showers. Do not share towels. Cover verrucas with a waterproof plaster when swimming. What is the difference between a verruca and a corn? A corn is thickened skin from pressure — skin lines continue through it. A verruca is viral — skin lines go around it. Corns are usually on bony pressure points; verrucas can appear anywhere on the sole. ## Sources - [NHS — Warts and verrucas](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/warts-and-verrucas/)