Do Plantar Warts Really Have Roots?
Well, the short answer to this question is, “no”, but I can say that it is asked often enough when a new patient presents with warts to make it worth mentioning! The term “plantar wart”, or, “verruca plantaris” refers to a wart that is found anywhere on the bottom, or, “plantar” surface of the foot. They are caused by a virus that can be contracted through contact with other people, often in areas or during activities where you are barefoot. Common sites are the gym or pool, but it can also be contracted from other family members in your home, or even if you share a pair of shoes with another person. Once you have the virus, it may become active by forming a tough lesion on the foot that can be mistaken for a callus. The key differences in appearance are that a plantar wart tends to be more circular and focal in area, and also has tiny black or red “dots” on it. These black dots are actually small blood vessels called “capillaries” which grow into the wart to provide nourishment. It is
