Plantar Warts

Plantar warts (verruca plantaris) are benign (not harmful) rough bumps that form on the soles of your feet. They develop when the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters a cut or break in your skin and causes an infection.

Who can get plantar warts?

Anyone can get plantar warts. However, you may be more likely to get plantar warts if:

• You’re a child or teenager.
• You have an autoimmune disease.
• You have a weakened immune system.
• You’re 65 years of age or older.
• You’re white.

How common are plantar warts?

Plantar warts are common. Approximately 10% of people have plantar warts. Between 10% and 20% of children and teenagers have plantar warts.

How do plantar warts affect my body?

Plantar warts may be painful. They may cause you to change how you stand, walk or run to avoid pain. Over time, these changes to your natural posture or movement may cause pain, discomfort or stress in the muscles, tissues or joints in your feet and ankles.

Plantar warts can also affect your mental health. You may feel self-conscious about their appearance and avoid going barefoot or wearing certain types of shoes or footwear, which may cause stress, anxiety or depression.