Papillomas or plantar warts are a common reason for consulting in podiatry. They are a viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These occur through direct transmission when the foot comes into contact with the virus via wounds or broken skin.

These are often confused with other skin conditions such as calluses or corns, although warts are not caused by rubbing or friction like the former, but rather by a viral infection.

They tend to be painful when lateral pressure or pinching is applied, unlike calluses or corns, which hurt under direct pressure. Their appearance is similar to a cauliflower, with small black dots inside that, when peeled off, often cause slight bleeding.

The main treatments we carry out during consultations are based on the following:

• Chemical treatment: This is the most common treatment and involves using various chemical preparations (such as salicylic, nitric, lactic acids…) to burn away and eliminate the wart. Multiple sessions are usually required until it is completely removed.

• Physical treatment: Laser therapy or cryotherapy can be used to burn the wart, creating a blister that, over the following days, aids in the wart or papilloma’s shedding.

• Surgical treatment: Podiatric surgery is an alternative to chemical treatments or failed therapies. It involves the complete excision of the wart followed by wound closure.