A verruca is a viral skin infection affecting the foot, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Verrucae commonly develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot such as the heel or ball of the
foot.
Because pressure is applied to the area during walking, the lesion may grow inward beneath the
skin, which can make it uncomfortable.
People with verrucae may notice:
Some verrucae may remain painless, while others may become uncomfortable during walking
Verrucae develop when the human papillomavirus infects the outer layer of the skin. The virus is
commonly spread in environments where people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools or
changing rooms.
The virus enters the skin through small breaks or areas of softened skin.
At Absolute Footcare, verrucae are assessed through a clinical examination of the skin and
surrounding tissues.
During the appointment, the podiatrist will confirm the diagnosis and assess the size, location,
and duration of the lesion. This helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment options may include:
If you are concerned about a verruca, an appointment with one of our podiatrists will allow us to
confirm the diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.