Verrucas are warts that occur on the soles of the feet. Also called plantar warts, they are the same as warts on any other part of the body. However, they may have a flatter appearance due to the pressure exerted on them during walking.
Plantar warts are caused by certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV). There are over 100 different types of HPV. Only a few will cause plantar warts. These types of HPV are different from the ones associated with genital warts and cervical cancer.
These specific HPV types cause an extra amount of keratin, which is a hard protein, to develop in the top skin layer (epidermis). This excess keratin produces the rough, thick texture of a verruca.
Verrucas are contagious, and close skin-to-skin contact may pass on the infection. It can also be transmitted indirectly from contaminated objects or surfaces, for example the floor or tiles surrounding a swimming pool. If you have skin tears, cuts or lesions, you are more likely to become infected as it’s easier for the virus to enter your body.
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