Several characteristics may suggest that a bump is a wart.
1. A rough surface
Common warts often feel coarse, uneven, or similar to a small piece of cauliflower.
2. Tiny dark dots
These may represent small clotted blood vessels within the growth.
3. Thickened skin
The surrounding skin may become thicker, especially when the wart develops on the sole of the foot.
4. Several bumps close together
Warts can appear individually or in clusters. Multiple plantar warts may form a group sometimes described as a mosaic wart.
5. Discomfort when walking
Plantar warts may hurt when pressure is applied, particularly when they develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot.
These signs can help you recognize a possible wart, but they cannot confirm the diagnosis in every case.
How Do Warts Spread?
The virus responsible for common warts can spread through direct contact or contaminated objects.
Certain habits may increase the likelihood of transmission:
- Picking, scratching, or biting a wart.
- Biting the nails or surrounding skin.
- Sharing nail clippers or files that have contacted an affected area.
- Walking barefoot in communal showers or changing rooms.
- Shaving over affected skin.
- Touching a wart and then touching another area of damaged skin.
To reduce the risk of spreading warts, avoid picking at them, wash your hands after touching an affected area, and do not share personal grooming tools.
If you have a plantar wart, wearing footwear in communal showers and swimming-pool changing areas can help reduce exposure to infections.
How Can You Treat Common Warts at Home?
Many ordinary warts eventually disappear without treatment, although this can take months or even years.
Treatment may help remove them sooner, particularly if they are painful, spreading, or bothersome.
Step 1: Consider Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a commonly used over-the-counter treatment for certain common and plantar warts.
It works by gradually removing the thickened layers of affected skin.
To use a product safely:
- Confirm that the product is intended for the type of wart you have.
- Follow the instructions on the package.
- If directed, soak the affected area in warm water before applying the treatment.
- Dry the skin thoroughly.
- Apply the product only to the wart as instructed.
- Continue treatment for the recommended period, which may be several weeks.
Do not apply salicylic acid to the face, genital area, irritated skin, or open wounds unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
People with diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation in their feet, or certain immune-system conditions should seek medical advice before attempting to treat foot lesions themselves.
Step 2: Avoid Cutting or Digging Out the Wart
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