Verruca, often called plantar warts, are small, rough skin lesions that appear on the soles of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Although verrucae are not dangerous, they can be painful and inconvenient, especially when located on weight-bearing areas of the foot. What makes them tricky is that they don’t look the same at every point of their life cycle.
Understanding the stages of verruca is essential if you want to catch them early, treat them effectively, and prevent them from spreading. Like many skin conditions, they evolve over time—from a subtle early bump to a more painful, mature lesion, and eventually to their regression or dying phase. By learning how to recognise these phases, you can decide whether at-home treatments are enough or if professional care is needed.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the beginning verruca stages, how to identify a verruca, and the stages of verruca dying, so you have clear knowledge of what to expect and when to seek help.
A verruca is a type of wart that forms on the feet due to HPV infection. Unlike warts on the hands or fingers, verrucae grow inward because of the pressure from walking and standing. This pressure flattens them into the skin, which is why they often look different from other common warts.
Verrucae can appear as a single lesion or in clusters called mosaic verrucae. They are contagious, spreading through direct skin contact or by walking barefoot in shared spaces like swimming pools, locker rooms, or gyms. While they are generally harmless, they can cause sharp pain when walking, which is why early identification and management are important.
Understanding the verruca stages helps you separate them from corns, calluses, or other foot problems, ensuring you choose the right treatment path.
People often ask, what does the start of a verruca look like? In the early stage verruca, the lesion usually appears as a small, rough patch of skin that may look similar to a callus. The skin lines across the area are disrupted, unlike a corn where the natural lines remain intact. Small black dots, caused by clotted blood vessels, often appear inside the verruca.
The beginning verruca stages can be painless, which is why many people mistake them for minor skin changes. However, as they develop, discomfort increases—especially when walking or squeezing the sides of the lesion. Spotting these changes early allows you to begin treatment before the verruca grows deeper.
Knowing how to identify a verruca is key to avoiding confusion with similar issues. Corns, for example, are caused by pressure or friction and feel firm, but they don’t interrupt the skin lines. Calluses are broader areas of thickened skin, usually painless unless severe.
A verruca, however, appears as a small, well-defined lesion with a rough surface and black pinpoints. They also tend to be painful when compressed from the sides, unlike corns which hurt when pressed directly. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a professional to confirm whether you’re dealing with a verruca.
Like most viral skin conditions, verrucae progress through different stages. Recognising these phases helps in knowing when to start treatment and what type of treatment might be most effective.
The first stage is subtle. During the beginning verruca stages, the lesion looks like a small, flat spot of hard skin. It might blend in with the surrounding skin, making it easy to miss. The early stage verruca may not cause much discomfort, but as the virus begins to spread into the skin layers, the lesion starts to develop a rougher surface and tiny black dots.
Treatments such as salicylic acid gels, creams, or over-the-counter freezing sprays are most effective at this stage. Acting early prevents the verruca from embedding deeply, which can make treatment more complex later.
At this stage, the verruca grows in size and becomes more painful. The virus penetrates deeper into the skin, embedding itself under layers of hard tissue. Walking or standing puts pressure on the area, causing discomfort that often feels like stepping on a small stone.
If untreated, the verruca can last for months or even years. It may resist basic at-home remedies, making professional treatment necessary. This is the phase where many patients seek help due to the pain interfering with daily activities.
This is one of the more problematic verruca stages. The lesion becomes thicker, more defined, and often spreads into clusters called mosaic verrucae. Multiple verrucae together can be very painful and difficult to manage with home treatments.
At this stage, medical options such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, or needling are often recommended. Verrucae are highly contagious in this phase, so walking barefoot in communal spaces increases the risk of passing it on to others.
The stages of verruca dying are marked by noticeable changes. The verruca starts to shrink, darken, and dry out. The pain gradually lessens, and the skin around it begins to heal. This phase indicates that your immune system is successfully fighting the virus.
Even though this is a positive sign, aftercare remains important. Keeping the area clean and protected helps prevent reinfection or recurrence. Sometimes, dead skin may peel away as the lesion heals completely.
Management depends on the stage of development. In the early stages, over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments or freezing sprays may work well. However, for deeper, painful verrucae, professional options like laser therapy, cryotherapy, or minor surgical removal may be more effective.
It’s crucial to avoid cutting or attempting DIY removal at home. This can cause infection, scarring, or even spread the virus further. For stubborn cases, professional care ensures complete removal and reduces recurrence risks. Clinics offering wart and verruca treatments provide tailored solutions for all stages.
Not every verruca requires professional intervention, but there are times when expert care is necessary. If the verruca is causing pain, spreading to other parts of the foot, or hasn’t improved after weeks of self-care, book an appointment with a skin specialist.
At Eldon Aesthetics & Skin Surgery Clinic in Newcastle upon Tyne, our team of specialists offers advanced treatments tailored to the stages of verruca, ensuring safe and effective outcomes. Whether it’s a single lesion or multiple mosaic verrucae, our personalised approach helps restore comfort and confidence.
Recognising the stages of verruca helps you act quickly, preventing unnecessary pain and reducing the chance of spreading. While some may clear naturally, others require targeted treatments for complete removal. Early intervention offers the best results.
Book your consultation with Eldon Aesthetics & Skin Surgery Clinic, for safe and effective wart and verruca removal in Newcastle upon Tyne. Our expert clinicians are here to guide you through every stage—from diagnosis to successful treatment.
Q: What does the beginning of a verruca feel like?
A: It feels like a small, firm bump under the skin, sometimes tender when pinched from the sides.
Q: How long does each verruca stage last?
A: Early stages may last weeks, while mature verrucae can persist for months or years if untreated.
Q: Is it OK to leave a verruca untreated?
A: Some verrucae may resolve naturally, but many spread or worsen without treatment.
Q: What are signs a verruca is dying?
A: Shrinking, darkening, drying out, and reduced pain are signs of the verruca healing.
Q: Can verrucae spread to others?
A: Yes. They are contagious, especially in communal areas like pools or gyms.
Q: Do children get verrucae more often?
A: Yes, children are more prone due to barefoot activities and developing immune systems.
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