Warts are caused by a contagious virus infecting the skin. They are more common in children as adults often develop an immune resistance to the virus. The virus is frequently spread on shower floors and around pools.
Planter warts are named by location. The planter surface is the sole of the foot. The virus is no different than those causing warts on other parts of the body. However, warts on the planter surface of the foot are more difficult to treat as the skin is much thicker and the virus has a better hiding place. Additionally, if a scar is created by treatment, pain may be present for life.
At first appearance warts often look like splinters in the skin. As they grow, they form hard round knots in the skin and usually begin to spread.
Sometimes warts will resolve spontaneously as the immune system kicks in. If not, one can try over the counter remedies, but often these are ineffective in the thick skin of the foot. We rarely, if ever, surgically remove warts due to the risk of scarring. Typically we utilize freezing or a chemical treatment that has proven to be very effective.