Podiatrist in Bondi Junction
Wart / Verruca
Treatment
We provide you with a range of effective treatments to eliminate the verruca virus.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are otherwise known as Verruca Pedis, appear as clumps of rough skin. Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), this virus causes changes in skin cells. Warts may occur anywhere on the body, however, it is most common on feet and hands. As it is a virus it may spread resulting in several in the same area or warts across different areas of skin. Treating warts can be challenging as it often involves an immune response.
Individuals may develop warts if exposed to the HPV virus. Most people develop warts once or more throughout their life. It is common before the age of 20 and may be more likely to spread if you are immunocompromised. Warts are not generally harmful, they may be painful if they are on a sensitive part of the foot. Some people are bothered by the appearance of warts.
How to Reduce the Risk of Spreading Warts
Warts are contagious, you are at risk if your skin is broken, damaged or wet. A commonplace to transmit warts is at communal swimming pools and washing areas. Warts can also spread to other parts of your body if they are picked or scratched. If you have a weak immune system warts may spread more rapidly and may be more resistant to treatment.
Tips to reduce the risk of transmission:
- Wear flip flops in public areas such as at swimming pools
- Cover warts with a waterproof plaster when swimming
- Do not share towels
- Do not share shoes or socks
Treatment Options for Stubborn Plantar Warts (Verruca Pedis)
Plantar warts (Verruca Pedis) are very difficult to treat and it takes multiple treatments to achieve a result. Some plantar warts are resistant to treatment and require more extensive treatment. The treatment aims to trick the immune system to respond to the HPV infection to get rid of the wart tissue.
Some treatment options include:
- Salicylic Acid Treatment - this treatment includes the podiatrist debriding the overlying hard skin and applying acid weekly over many weeks
- Silver nitrate - a gentle antimicrobial
- Nitric Acid - this involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen
- Needling - this is a procedure that requires a local anesthetic and involves needling the wart tissue
Why Choose Bondi Podiatry?
Whether you’re a runner, gym enthusiast, or simply enjoy staying active, we provide personalised assessments tailored to your lifestyle and goals. Using advanced diagnostic tools and 3D foot scanning, we create custom orthotics that offer exceptional comfort, support, and long-lasting results — helping you move better every day.
Frequently Ask Questions
Do plantar wart treatments hurt?
Some treatments, such as liquid nitrogen or needling, can cause mild discomfort during or after the procedure. Your podiatrist will discuss pain management options and choose a method that’s appropriate for your comfort level and the severity of your wart.
How long does it take for plantar warts to go away?
The healing time varies depending on the size, depth, and duration of the wart, as well as your immune response. Most people notice improvement after a few weeks, but complete removal may take several sessions over a few months.
Can plantar warts come back after treatment?
Yes — warts can sometimes recur if the virus remains in the skin or if your immune system doesn’t fully clear the infection. Regular follow-up and good foot hygiene, including keeping feet dry and avoiding barefoot walking in public areas, can help prevent recurrence.