Verrucae
Verrucae are plantar warts commonly found on the sole of the foot but can also be found on or around toes. They are caused by the human papilloma virus and are spread by contact. They can be painful when squeezed, show tiny black dots, and are contagious. Many clear on their own, but stubborn, painful or spreading verrucae benefit from podiatry care.
Verrucae are common, harmless growths on feet. They can feel like a stone in your shoe and often hurt when pinched from the sides. If yours is sore, multiplying, or not responding to pharmacy treatments, we can help.
If you are looking for help in South Woodford, we can assess the cause and talk you through the most appropriate treatment plan.
Does this sound like you?
A sore, rough patch on the sole that hurts when you walk or when squeezed
Tiny black dots in the centre of a hard skin area
A cluster of smaller lesions forming a wide patch
Tried over-the-counter acid or freezing treatments with little success
Worried about spreading it to family or at the gym or pool
Signs and Symptoms of verrucae
Verruca lesion: a rough, thickened patch on the sole where normal skin lines are interrupted.
Pain on squeeze: hurts more with side-to-side pressure than direct pressure.
Black dots: tiny dark specks inside the lesion, which are clotted capillaries.
Callus cap: a layer of hard skin forms over the verruca, adding to pressure pain.
Pebble feeling: a sensation like standing on a small stone when walking.
Pinpoint bleeding: small spots of bleeding may appear after gentle filing or debridement.
Mosaic clusters: several small verrucae join to form a larger patch.
Spread: new similar lesions appear nearby or on the other foot.
Causes
- Caused by the human papilloma virus entering through tiny breaks in the skin
- Spread in warm, moist, communal areas such as pools and changing rooms
- Higher risk with reduced immunity, children and teens, frequent barefoot activity, sweaty feet, or minor skin trauma
Treatment for verrucae
What we do at your appointment
- Careful assessment to confirm a verruca rather than a corn or other lesion
- Gentle debridement of hard skin to relieve pain and expose active tissue
- First treatment applied if appropriate, for example cryotherapy
- Protective dressing and offloading advice to make walking comfortable
- Clear home plan with how to use any chemist treatments safely
- Hygiene guidance to reduce spread in the home, gym or pool
- Review schedule and expected timeframes for improvement
- Specific advice if you have diabetes, poor circulation or a reduced immune system
Verrucae self-care and prevention
Do not pick or cut the lesion
Keep feet dry, change socks daily, and use breathable footwear
Cover the verruca with a waterproof plaster for swimming and shared areas
Wear flip-flops in communal showers and poolside
Do not share towels, socks or shoes
If using chemist treatments, follow directions carefully and stop if the skin becomes very sore or broken
Fed up with a stubborn, painful verrucae?
We can confirm the diagnosis, treat it safely, and give you a clear plan. Call to book your appointment and get back to comfortable steps.
FAQs
Yes. Verrucae are warts that occur on the soles of the feet.
Verrucae interrupt skin lines, often have black dots, and hurt with a side-to-side squeeze. Corns usually have a hard central core and hurt with direct pressure.
Many clear naturally, but this can take months. If it is painful, spreading, or persists, treatment helps.
Yes. They spread by direct contact or via damp surfaces. Cover the area and wear flip-flops in communal spaces.
Most routine podiatry treatments aim to minimise tissue damage. We will explain risks and expected healing before starting.
Yes. We tailor options to age, comfort and activity levels. Sometimes a monitored watch-and-wait approach is best.
Avoid home acids and book with us. We will choose safe options and protect surrounding skin.
It depends on size, depth and how long it has been there. We will give you a realistic plan at your first visit with review dates.
What our patients think of Complete Footcare
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Sally is an excellent podiatrist — highly professional, thorough, and caring. This was our second treatment, and once again she did a fantastic job. A large amount of hard skin and calluses were removed from all around the feet, which had become quite severe, and the improvement afterwards was remarkable. She worked carefully and made the whole experience comfortable and reassuring. Very knowledgeable and clearly takes pride in her work. Highly recommend Sally to anyone needing professional foot care.
Laureen Knight
2 May 2026 -
Very knowledgeable, great advice for running
Liam Gavin
5 March 2026 -
Mansoor Butt is a thoroughly lovely and dedicated practitioner. He moved heaven and earth to see me and sort a particularly difficult ingrown toenail. Easily one of the best healthcare practitioners I’ve had to see over the years. The reception staff are wonderful too.
Benj
13 August 2025 -
I have been going to Complete Footcare for many years and have always received excellent and very professional service from them. They are friendly, efficient and caring and I would have no hesitation in recommending them
Lindsay Eadon
7 April 2026 -
An excellent chiropodist - my nail problems are sorted quickly and painlessly. I also get good advice on footcare. Very friendly staff.
Roseanne Partridge
25 February 2026