Do I Have a Wart?

We often treat patients with foot warts, also known as plantar warts. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, typically on the soles of the feet. Knowing the signs of a wart can help you seek treatment early and avoid potential discomfort. Here’s how to tell if you have a wart on your foot.

1. Raised, Rough Bump: Plantar warts usually appear as small, rough, grainy growths on the bottom of the foot. They can vary in size and may have a hard, callused surface. Sometimes, they are mistaken for corns or calluses, but warts are generally softer in texture.

2. Black Dots: One telltale sign of a wart is the presence of tiny black dots within the lesion. These black dots are actually small, clotted blood vessels and are often called “wart seeds.”

3. Pain When Walking or Standing: Unlike corns or calluses, plantar warts can cause significant discomfort, especially when pressure is applied to them. You may feel a sharp, stabbing pain when standing, walking, or pressing on the affected area.

4. Flat Growths: Because of the pressure on the soles of your feet, plantar warts tend to grow inward rather than outward, forming a flat appearance. This makes them different from warts found on other parts of the body.

5. Location: Plantar warts commonly develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heel or ball of the foot, where pressure causes the virus to take hold.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek professional treatment. Over-the-counter treatments can be effective in some cases, but if the wart persists, a podiatrist can offer stronger solutions such as cryotherapy or prescription medications to remove the wart and prevent it from spreading.

Here at The Texas Foot Specialists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum provide expert and specialized care to address all of your foot and ankle needs. From conservative to advanced surgical treatments, you can always count on us for quality and compassionate care. Contact us online to make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston.