What should you know about planters wart removal?

A plantar wart grows in the outer layer of skin and may be flattened by body weight. It can feel sore when you walk across it, while a callus is usually linked to repeated pressure without the same viral cause. The clinician may inspect the lesion and gently remove surface scale to distinguish these possibilities. Several lesions, a deep central area or an uncertain appearance can change the treatment plan.

Avoid cutting the wart yourself or using shared files. Keep feet dry, wear clean socks and cover a lesion that is rubbing against footwear. Your clinician may discuss salicylic-acid products, freezing or another method under [Wart Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/wart-removal/). Mention diabetes, numbness, circulation problems, immune conditions and medicines that affect healing before treatment. Follow aftercare instructions and return if the area remains tender or the growth persists.

Arrange an examination when a sole growth bleeds, enlarges, changes colour, causes persistent pain or makes normal walking difficult. Prompt care is needed for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever or an ulcer. Do not repeatedly apply home treatments to a changing lesion without confirming the diagnosis.

Is this definitely a plantar wart? Which treatment is suitable for my skin and medical history? How do I protect the treated area during walking? What signs suggest infection, and when should we review the result?