If you see a sore or rough spot on the bottom of your foot that will not go away, you might ask yourself what it is. Is this a plantar wart? Or could it be something called a verruca? Now, you may start to wonder if they really are different, or if they are the same thing.
The words “Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts” get used in place of each other a lot. This can make things confusing when you are trying to find out what you have or what treatment you need. Some websites say that they are the same thing, but others talk about them like they are different. So what is the truth?
Let’s take a close look at the real difference between viral verrucae and plantar warts. We want to see what they are, how they show up, what causes each one, and if there is anything that makes one different from the other. By the end, you will have a much better idea about your foot problem and know what you can do next.
Understanding the Basics: What Are Warts?
Before we talk about Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts, it is good to first know what a skin infection wart is. A wart on your skin is something many people can get. There are some different types of warts out there. Let’s look at what makes a wart before we look at those types.
Warts are small and feel rough on the skin. They come from some types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These growths are usually not cancer. They can show up just about anywhere on your body. Where they show up can depend on what type of HPV you have and how your body fights off the virus.
There are several types of warts:
- Common warts – these often show up on fingers and hands.
- Flat warts – these are small, smooth, and most of the time you see them in groups on the face or legs.
- Filiform warts – these are long and thin, you will usually find them on the face.
- Genital warts –these can be passed on during sex and are seen in the private parts area.
- Plantar warts (aka verrucae) – these warts grow on the bottoms of the feet.he soles of the feet.feet.
Here’s where things start to overlap…
Are Plantar Warts and Verrucae the Same Thing?
The short answer? Yes and no.
A viral verruca is a kind of wart that grows because of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is the same group of viruses that causes common warts. When you get a wart like this on the bottom of your foot, most often on spots where you put weight, such as the heel or ball, it is called a plantar wart.
So in essence:
- All plantar warts are a kind of viral verrucae.
- But not every viral verruca is a plantar wart.
The word “verruca” comes from Latin, and it means wart. The word “viral” shows that this wart is caused by a virus. “Plantar” tells you it is on the bottom of the foot.
So Why Use Different Terms At All?
The difference in terminology often comes down to:
- Medical language vs. simple words
- Geography (UK vs. US words)
- Place and appearance
In the UK and Europe, people mostly use the word “verruca” when they talk about plantar warts. In the US, you will find that most people say “plantar wart” instead.
Understanding these distinctions matters because:
- Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts can look different in each person.
- Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts may need different ways to treat them, depending on where they are and how bad they get.
What Causes Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts?
The main reason people get Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts is the human papilloma virus, or HPV. There are more than 100 types of this virus. But, the ones known as HPV 1, 2, 4, 27, and 57 are the types that most often cause plantar warts.
HPV can live and grow well in warm and damp areas, so people may get the virus in places such as:
- Communal showers
- Swimming pool floors
- Locker rooms
- Gym changing areas
When the virus gets into your body through small cuts or cracks in your skin, it may lead to warts. The virus does not always show up right away. Warts can take weeks or even months to show on your skin.
Some people get verrucae more often than others. This can be because of several things:
- A weak body system that fights sickness
- Not keeping your feet clean
- Walking barefoot in public places
- Feet that sweat a lot or shoes that do not let air in
So Why Do They Look or Feel Different?
Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts both come from the same virus, called HPV. But, where they show up on the body makes a big difference.
Plantar warts form on the bottom of your feet. When you walk or stand, pressure pushes them into your skin instead of out. That makes them:
- Harder
- More painful
- Myrmecial warts can grow deeper in the layers of your skin.
Plantar warts often look like other things because of where they are and the pressure on them. People can mistake them for:
- Corns
- Calluses
- Foreign objects in the foot
Other types of viral verrucae, like the ones you get on the hands or knees, usually grow outwards. This is why they look bumpy or like a cauliflower.
Viral Verrucae Characteristics:
- Raised and rough patches that stick out a bit over the top layer of the skin.
- Can look like cauliflower.
- You may see these on the hands, fingers, knees, or feet.
Plantar Wart Characteristics:
- These are on the bottom part of the foot.
- They look flat or pushed in because of walking.
- A hard area of skin, called a callus, often grows around them.
- There can be black dots which are small clotted blood vessels.
- They usually hurt when you walk or stand.
Even a regular viral verruca can look different when it’s on the foot. This happens because of the pressure and rubbing that the feet feel. That is why plantar warts are often confused with blisters or corns.
Symptoms: How to Tell Them Apart (If You Need To)
Here’s a quick look at below to help you know if you have Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts:
| Feature | Plantar Wart (Verruca Plantaris) | Other Viral Verrucae |
|---|---|---|
| Location | The spot can be on the bottom of the foot like the heel, the ball, or the toes | t can also show up on the hands, the face, the legs, the knees, or other places |
| Growth Direction | Inward because of pressure | Outward |
| Appearance | The skin looks thick, and you may see tiny black dots. It can be flat with the skin. | It can feel raised, bumpy, and rough on the surface |
| Pain Level | It will often hurt when you walk or stand. | It is usually not painful unless you pick at it or it gets messed with. |
| Texture | Hard and flat | Raised and rough |
| Size | Warts can show up alone or in groups called “mosaic warts” | They are usually just one or spread out |
| Color | usually skin-colored or a bit brownish | Sometimes it can be the same, or a little lighter. |
So if you have a wart on your foot that grows inward and hurts when you walk, then it is most likely Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts.
Is It Contagious?
Yes, that is true. Both Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts can spread very easily from one person to another.
HPV can spread:
- You can get it from surfaces or things, like floors, socks, shoes, or towels. A person can also give it to themselves by touching other parts of their body.
- You can get it from surfaces or things like floors, socks, shoes, or towels.
- It can move from one spot on your body to another.
This is why you should not scratch or pick at a wart. If you do, it can move to other parts of your skin.
Are They Dangerous?
In most cases, no. Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts are not harmful. They may go away by themselves, but this can take months or even years.
You should seek medical attention if:
- The wart gets a new shape, color, or size.
- You have diabetes or a weak body system that fights sickness.
- It hurts, bleeds, or has an infection.
Treatment Options: Are They Treated Differently?
Since the same virus causes both Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts, the way you treat them is much the same. But, plantar warts can be deeper in the skin and hurt more. To stop pressure and pain, these warts might need stronger or longer treatment.
Here are the most common treatment options:
1. Over-the-Counter Solutions
- Salicylic treatments
- Freezing sprays
- Wart pads and plasters
These help to soften the skin and help old skin come off. But you often need to use them every day for a few weeks for best results.
2. Cryotherapy (Freezing)
A healthcare provider will use liquid nitrogen or the CryoPen technology to freeze the wart. This way works well for plantar warts. These are tough to treat with creams that go on the skin.
3. Laser Treatment
Laser therapy aims at the blood vessels that feed the wart. Doctors usually use it for warts that do not go away or come back. A GP may say to try this if other treatments do not work.
4. Surgical Removal
In tough cases, a skin doctor may decide to remove the wart while you are numbed in that area. This is not done often because it can leave a scar.
5. Immune Therapy
Some treatments try to help your body’s immune system get stronger so you can fight the virus better. This can mean using things such as imiquimod cream and other irritants.
Prevention: How to Avoid Both (Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts)
Since the main cause is the same, the tips to stop Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts are the same:
- Never walk barefoot in places like swimming pools, gyms, or shared showers. After you have been in these areas, make sure to wash your feet well with warm water and soap.
- Change your socks every day. Wear shoes that let your feet breathe.
- Keep your feet dry and clean so your skin does not get hurt.
- Do not share towels, socks, shoes, or nail clippers with other people.
- If you already have warts, cover them with waterproof bandages when you are in places that many use.
- Try not to scratch or pick at warts, as this can make them spread.
When to See a Doctor
Most viral verrucae and plantar warts will go away on their own over time because your body fights off the virus. But, you should still see a professional if:
- The wart hurts or makes it hard to walk.
- It is spreading fast.
- You have diabetes or poor blood flow.
- Treating it at home has not helped after a few weeks.
- You are not sure if it is a wart or another problem.
Some things that look like Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts can turn out to be corns, calluses, or skin cancer. If you are not sure about what it is, it’s best to get it See our pricing that gives you peace of mind.
Final Verdict: Are They Different or the Same?
To wrap it all up:
👉 “Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts” are caused by the same thing, but they don’t look the same.
- The HPV virus causes all warts. This includes verrucae and plantar warts.
- A “plantar wart” is a wart that is found on the bottom of the foot.
- A “viral verruca” is any wart that comes from a virus. This term includes plantar warts.
- You treat them in the same ways, but they might act in different ways. This depends on things like how thick, how deep, and how painful they are.
So, the next time you hear that someone has a verruca, you can feel sure and say, “Oh, that’s a plantar wart!”
Even though they are small and look harmless, Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts can be a real problem for your body and for how you feel. You may hear people call them verrucae or warts. The main thing is to treat Viral Verrucae and Plantar Warts the right way. You should also get advice from the British Association of Dermatologists. This can help stop them from spreading to other people or other parts of your body.
And if you have been fighting with a stubborn verruca that will not go away, it may be the right time to try a modern, professional way to treat it. You can choose Cryotherapy or Laser Treatment to get lasting results.