Signs and symptoms
... Plantar warts are often mistaken for corns or calluses. To make the distinction, look for: Small, fleshy, grainy bumps on the soles of your feet Hard, flat growths with a rough surface and well-define...

Causes
... You acquire warts through direct contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some types of HPV tend to cause warts on your hands, fingers or near your fingernail...

Risk factors
... These ugly bumps are more likely to appear on the feet of people with: Multiple exposures to the virus Damaged or cut skin Weakened immune systems For reasons doctors don''t understand, some people ar...

When to seek medical advice
... See your doctor if your warts are painful or change in appearance or color. Also see your doctor if warts persist, multiply or recur, despite home treatment, or if warts interfere with your activities...

Screening and diagnosis
... In most cases, your doctor can diagnose plantar warts just by inspecting your feet. If there''s any doubt, your doctor may need to pare down the lump with a scalpel. Why? Corns and calluses don''t hav...