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Warts and verrucas

Also called Common warts, Plantar warts, or Verruca

Warts are small, rough lumps on the skin, often on the hands and knees. Verrucas are warts on the soles of the feet, and can be flatter and sometimes painful. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread through close skin contact or from wet surfaces such as swimming pool floors.

Last updated Nov 9, 2026

What it is

Most warts go away by themselves. Treatments from a pharmacy, such as salicylic acid or freezing sprays, can speed this up.

Covering warts and verrucas, not sharing towels and wearing flip-flops in shared showers can help stop them spreading.

Common signs

  • A small, rough, firm lump on the skin
  • A flat white spot on the sole of the foot, sometimes with a black dot in the middle
  • Pain when walking on a verruca

How it is usually diagnosed

  • Examination of the skin

Records worth keeping

Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:

  • GP or dermatology notes
  • Treatment records

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Does this need treatment?
  • Which treatment is best for me?
  • Should I worry about this lump?

When to get help right away

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • A lump that bleeds, changes in look, or keeps coming back in the same place: see a doctor soon to have it checked

This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.

Sources

Related conditions

Genital wartsSmall growths on or around the genitals or anus, caused by HPV. They are common, not usually painful and can be treated.Molluscum contagiosumA common viral skin infection causing small, firm, raised spots, mostly in children. It usually clears on its own within 18 months.