A plantar wart is a verruca on the plantar surface of the foot that is caused by an HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.
Clinical features vary with the size and number. Warts are hyperkeratotic and may be exophytic or flat.
Some plantar warts are asymptomatic. Others may be associated with pain, especially on compression. Bleeding can occur after trauma.
Large or numerous warts:
(1) can be a cosmetic issue
(2) can interfere with wearing footwear
(3) can be disabling
A patient who is immunosuppressed (transplant, HIV) may have more extensive disease that can be difficult to control. They can also shed large numbers of virus into the environment.
Recalcitrant warts are those do not respond to or recur after standard therapy.
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