Warts

A wart is a small, rough skin growth caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) — when it appears on the sole of the foot, it's known as a plantar wart. While warts can develop on various parts of the body, they are common on the feet because the warm, moist environment inside shoes helps the virus thrive.

At Blueprint Podiatry in Tuggerah, our podiatry team can help with the accurate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of warts on the feet.

What is a plantar wart?

Plantar warts are caused by HPV entering the skin through tiny cracks or breaks, often on the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot [1]. Because they sit on a weightbearing area, they're frequently pushed inward, which can make them painful to stand or walk on.

Common signs include:

• A firm, rough or grainy growth on the sole, heel or toes
• Tiny black dots within the lesion (small clotted blood vessels)
• Pain or tenderness when walking or when the area is pinched
• A lesion that interrupts the normal skin lines of the foot

Warts can sometimes be mistaken for corns or callouses, so it's worth having any persistent lesion checked.

Are warts contagious?

Yes. Warts are contagious and can spread from person to person through direct contact, or via surfaces and objects that have touched an infected wart — such as shower floors, communal change rooms and shared footwear.

How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and treat warts?

Our three registered podiatrists each hold a Bachelor of Podiatry and bring genuine experience in dermatological foot conditions. Assessment begins with a careful examination to confirm it's a wart rather than a corn or other lesion, and to consider its size, depth and how long it's been present.

Treatment is tailored to you, as no single approach suits every wart [2]. Depending on your situation, management may include debridement (reducing the overlying hard skin), topical therapies, and advice on hygiene to limit spread and recurrence. We'll also discuss realistic timeframes — some warts resolve within weeks, while others need several months of consistent treatment.

Can I treat warts at home? Over-the-counter remedies help some people, but they aren't suitable for every wart and improper use can irritate or worsen the skin. A professional assessment helps you avoid wasted time and unnecessary discomfort.

When should I see a podiatrist?

Consider booking if your wart is painful, spreading, multiplying, bleeding, or hasn't cleared with home treatment — or if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation in your feet, where any skin lesion warrants extra care.

Related services

• Plantar Wart Removal Treatment
• General Podiatry