NHS Fife Health and Social Care
Podiatry department
Last revised January 2025
Next review
Version V1R3
What are Verrucae?
Verrucae are warts that commonly occur on the soles of the feet. They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), and can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. In many cases, verrucae will resolve without any treatment, but can take months or even years to resolve. They tend to last longer in older children and adults.
Verrucae are harmless, but can become uncomfortable and painful if they develop on a weight bearing part of the foot. Also hard skin may form over the top of the verruca further increasing discomfort levels.
Symptoms and appearance
Verrucae can vary in shape and size. The most common appearance is that of a small cauliflower type growth on the soles of the feet with black dots in the centre.
If painful when you pinch the area together (similar to squeezing a spot) with two fingers, then you are likely to have a verrucae. If painful, when you press directly down onto the lesion, and there are no black dots, then it is more likely to be a corn.
How Verrucae are spread
The HPV virus can be passed on through close skin to skin contact and also be transmitted indirectly by contact with contaminated objects such as towels, shoes, communal changing areas. The virus is more likely to spread if the skin is wet, or abrasions are present.
Please note - NHS Fife does not offer routine verrucae treatment.
Treatment
There are a number of treatments available. However, no single treatment is guaranteed to be 100% effective and the verruca may return.
Leaving the verruca to go away by itself is one option. However you may want to consider treatment if the verruca is painful and impacting on your daily life.
In the first instance, avoid touching or scratching the verruca, as this may result in further spread of the virus.
Zinc Oxide - Cover with a small piece of zinc oxide tape (2mm larger than the size of the verruca), and apply directly over the lesion. The verruca needs to be kept covered with the tape at all times, only changing after bath/shower. This treatment is designed to occlude the lesion, and proven to be effective for some. It is a good choice for children as other treatments can be painful and cause side effects.
Salicylic Acid – This treatment comes in gels, creams, medicated plasters and paints that are available over the counter from your local pharmacy.
Care should always be taken to ensure medication is applied directly over the lesion, to avoid damage to healthy surrounding skin.
Applying a small piece of zinc oxide slightly larger than the verruca, and cutting a hole in the middle will protect the surrounding area and also act as a barrier, so ensuring the medication is directly applied onto the lesion. Masking the surrounding skin with vaseline will also reduce risk of damaging the healthy skin.
Check with your pharmacist before using salicylic acid, as this treatment is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or with compromised circulation. It is important to always use as directed.
Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen is applied to the verruca for a few seconds to freeze and destroy the affected skin cells. After treatment, a blister forms, followed by a scab, which then falls off 7-10 days later. This treatment may not be available on the NHS, so please check with your GP or contact your local HCPC private podiatrist for further advice.
Other treatments include – Electrosurgery, laser therapy, Needling, Microwave therapy. (Please note - NHS Fife does not offer these treatments).
How can I prevent them?
Most people will have a wart or verruca at some point in their life. However, you can reduce your risk of further spread by doing the following -
- Keep your feet in a healthy condition.
- Always dry your feet thoroughly after washing, and if your feet are sweaty, apply surgical spirits.
- Always wear appropriate footwear e.g. flip-flops when in communal areas, and treat conditions such as Athletes foot with specialist treatment from your pharmacy, if you have symptoms.
- If you already have a verruca, and want to go swimming, ensure the lesion is covered, to reduce risk of passing on the virus.
- Verrucae socks can also be worn to avoid passing on the virus.
Further Advice
If your verruca bleeds, changes in appearance, becomes unusually painful, or the surrounding skin becomes inflamed, or damaged, then you should contact your local podiatrist for further advice.
If you are uncertain that your lesion is a verrucae, and your symptoms are impacting on your daily activities, then please contact – NHS Fife Podiatry helpline on 01383 518635 for further advice.
Podiatry advice helpline
The podiatry help line is available.
Lines open:
Tuesday afternoon between 1:15pm and 4:45pm
Thursday morning between 08:45am and 12:15pm
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.