How do podiatrists remove warts?

Podiatrists use several targeted treatments for plantar warts including topical salicylic acid therapy, cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), and dry needling (a single-procedure immune stimulation technique that triggers a strong immune response). The choice of treatment depends on the size, number, duration, and location of warts, as well as patient age and health status. Our podiatrists will recommend the most appropriate treatment at your assessment.

Do plantar warts go away on their own?

Some plantar warts do resolve spontaneously as the immune system eventually eliminates the HPV virus — this may take months to years. However, warts can also spread to other areas, multiply, and become more painful over time without treatment. In children, treatment is often recommended due to rapid spreading. In adults with painful or persistent warts, professional treatment is clearly preferred.

Are plantar warts contagious?

Yes. Plantar warts are caused by specific strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious via direct contact with an infected person or via contaminated surfaces. They are commonly acquired in public pools, gym showers, and changing rooms. Wearing thongs in communal areas significantly reduces transmission risk.

How many treatments are needed to remove a wart?

This varies depending on the treatment modality and the wart's characteristics. Acid therapy typically requires 4–8 weekly appointments. Dry needling is often effective in 1–2 sessions. Cryotherapy is typically performed at 2–3 week intervals until resolution. Our podiatrists will give you a realistic expectation of the number of appointments required at your initial assessment.

Plantar Wart Removal — Podiatrist in Cockburn Central

Plantar warts (verrucae) are one of the most common foot conditions treated by our podiatrists in Cockburn Central. Caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet and can be painful, persistent, and prone to spreading without treatment. At Cockburn Podiatry, we offer a range of effective, evidence-based wart treatments for both children and adults.

What Are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts (verruca plantaris) are non-cancerous skin growths caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). They develop on the sole of the foot, where the pressure of body weight causes them to grow inward rather than outward — creating a hard, painful lesion. Unlike corns and calluses, warts have their own blood supply (visible as small black dots within the lesion — clotted capillaries) and disrupt the normal skin lines of the sole.

Mosaic warts are clusters of multiple small warts that merge together and can be more challenging to treat.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

A rough, grainy growth on the sole of the foot, often with a cauliflower-like texture
Small black dots (clotted blood vessels) within the lesion
Pain or tenderness when walking, especially when the wart is squeezed from the sides
The skin’s natural lines (dermatoglyphics) are interrupted by the wart
In children, rapid spread to adjacent areas and multiple satellite warts

Warts vs corns: Corns are caused by pressure and have smooth, regular borders. Warts have irregular surfaces, contain black dots, and cause pain when squeezed sideways rather than directly. Our podiatrists diagnose your condition accurately before recommending treatment.

Wart Treatment at Cockburn Podiatry

Our podiatrists assess each patient individually and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on wart size, number, duration, location, and patient age and health. We offer the following evidence-based treatments:

Topical Salicylic Acid Therapy

Salicylic acid is the first-line treatment for most plantar warts. We apply a high-concentration acid preparation to the wart under occlusion and debride the overlying callus at each appointment. This progressively destroys infected tissue. Treatment typically requires 4–8 weekly sessions. Patients are also instructed on safe at-home care between appointments.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart tissue, causing controlled freezing and cell destruction. The wart tissue blisters and sloughs away over the following week. Cryotherapy is effective for single warts in adults and older children and is typically performed every two to three weeks until the wart resolves. It may be slightly uncomfortable but does not require anaesthetic.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is performed under local anaesthetic and involves repeatedly puncturing the wart with a fine needle to drive HPV antigens into the deeper dermal layers. This triggers a strong systemic immune response that can eliminate both the treated wart and other warts on the body simultaneously. Dry needling is particularly effective for large, persistent, or mosaic warts and is often effective in just one to two sessions.

Wart Treatment in Children

Plantar warts are extremely common in children and adolescents. In children, warts tend to spread rapidly and can multiply quickly if untreated. We see children of all ages for wart treatment and take a gentle, age-appropriate approach. Treatment modality is chosen based on the child’s age, pain tolerance, and number of warts. We always explain the treatment clearly to both child and parent before proceeding.

Preventing Plantar Warts

Wear thongs or water shoes in public pool areas, gym showers, and changing rooms
Do not share towels, socks, or footwear
Keep feet clean and dry
Avoid touching or picking at warts, and wash hands thoroughly after any contact
Cover warts with waterproof tape or a wart cover pad when using communal facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Do warts go away on their own?

Some warts resolve spontaneously as the immune system eliminates HPV — but this can take months to years. Warts can also spread and multiply in the meantime. In children especially, early treatment is recommended to prevent rapid spreading.

Are warts contagious?

Yes. HPV spreads via direct contact or via contaminated surfaces. They are commonly acquired at public pools and communal showers. Cover warts when using shared facilities and wear thongs in these areas.

Do I need a referral?

No referral needed. Call (08) 9417 3737 or book online. Health fund rebates are available.

Serving south Perth: We treat patients from Atwell, Success, South Lake, Yangebup, Hammond Park, Aubin Grove, Jandakot, Beeliar, Coogee, Baldivis and the wider Cockburn area.

Get rid of your warts with targeted, professional treatment. Call (08) 9417 3737 or book online. Cockburn Podiatry is located at Cockburn Central, serving South Lake, Yangebup, Atwell, Success, Hammond Park and all of south Perth.

Related services: Children’s Podiatry | Medical Pedicure