Many patients are unsure whether the growths on their skin or feet are warts, verrucas, or something else entirely. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences in how they appear, where they form, and how they are treated.
At London Wart Clinic, our private doctors and surgeons frequently see patients who have tried home treatments without success, only to discover that they were dealing with the wrong type of wart. Understanding the difference between verrucas and warts helps you recognise the symptoms and choose the most effective treatment.
What Are Warts?
Warts are skin growths caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear when the virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions and triggers rapid growth of skin cells.
- More than 100 HPV strains exist, and several are responsible for skin warts.
- Warts can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, and face.
- They are rough to the touch, often raised, and may have a cauliflower-like appearance.
What Are Verrucas?
A verruca is simply a wart that develops on the sole of the foot (plantar surface). The name “verruca” is more commonly used in the UK, while in the US they are usually called plantar warts.
- The pressure of walking forces verrucas inward rather than outward.
- They often look flat, with black dots inside (tiny blood vessels).
- Verrucas can appear singly or in groups known as mosaic warts.
- They are particularly common among children and teenagers, especially those who swim regularly.
Key Differences Between Verrucas and Warts
| Feature | Common Warts | Verrucas (Plantar Warts) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Hands, fingers, elbows, face, knees | Soles of the feet (weight-bearing areas) |
| Appearance | Raised, rough, cauliflower-like | Flat or sunken, often with black dots |
| Pain | Usually painless | Often painful when walking, feels like a stone under the skin |
| Spread | May cluster but usually isolated | Can form mosaic clusters of multiple verrucas |
| Common in | Children, teenagers, adults | Children, swimmers, athletes |
Why Verrucas Are Often More Stubborn
While both are caused by HPV, verrucas can be harder to treat because:
- The virus is protected under thick skin on the sole.
- Constant pressure from walking drives the lesion deeper.
- Moist environments like swimming pools and gyms promote reinfection.
This is why many people find verrucas persist for months or years despite using over-the-counter treatments.
Treatment Options for Warts and Verrucas
Over-the-counter treatments:
- Salicylic acid gels and plasters – suitable for both warts and verrucas, but require weeks of persistence.
- Freezing kits – less effective for plantar verrucas than for hand warts.
Professional treatments at London Wart Clinic:
| Treatment | Effective For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) | Both warts and verrucas | Quick but may require repeat sessions. |
| Cautery (electrosurgery) | Resistant warts/verrucas | Immediate clearance under anaesthetic, possible scarring. |
| Laser wart removal | Multiple verrucas or hard-to-reach lesions | Useful for stubborn cases. |
| Surgical excision | Single large warts or verrucas | Removes lesion completely but leaves a wound. |
Can Verrucas and Warts Go Away on Their Own?
- Children: Around half of warts and verrucas resolve within one year as the immune system clears HPV.
- Adults: Spontaneous clearance is less common — many patients wait years without improvement.
- Plantar verrucas: Particularly resistant, with some persisting for decades unless treated.
Leaving them untreated also risks spreading HPV to other body areas or to family members.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical advice if:
- The wart or verruca is painful or affecting daily activities.
- It has lasted more than six months without improvement.
- It is spreading or forming clusters.
- Over-the-counter treatments have failed.
At London Wart Clinic, our surgeons offer safe, effective removal tailored to each patient, whether it’s a hand wart or a stubborn verruca on the foot.