By Dr. Andy Karf, D.P.M · Updated November 4, 2026
A plantar wart, also called a verruca, is a wart on the sole of the foot or the toes, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This page is for English speakers living in Israel who want it looked at and treated in English. Dr. Andy Karf, D.P.M, is a podiatric surgeon who treats warts in private practice. About Dr. Karf and his clinics.
General information, not personal medical advice.
When it can't wait
A wart on its own is rarely an emergency. Get urgent medical care the same day if you have a fever or fast-spreading redness on the foot. With diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in the foot, don't try any wart treatment yourself, and book an exam.
Wart or corn?
People often mix these up, and they are treated differently. These are the usual differences, though an exam is what settles it.
| Plantar wart | Corn | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | HPV, a virus | Repeated pressure and friction |
| Black dots | Often, from tiny clotted blood vessels | No |
| Pain | When squeezed from the sides | When pressed from above |
| Contagious | Yes | No |
Warts can also grow around a nail, or form a cluster known as mosaic warts. Clusters tend to be harder to treat because more skin is involved.
Wart removal: what Dr. Karf uses
The choice depends on the wart's size and location, and on your age and immune system. There are three main methods.
| Method | What happens | Usually for |
|---|---|---|
| Salicylic acid | Applied regularly to break down the hard wart tissue, with the dead skin removed in between | Small, shallow warts. Not for people with diabetes, poor circulation or a salicylate sensitivity |
| Freezing (cryotherapy) | Liquid nitrogen is sprayed on the wart in the clinic. A blister forms and heals, and the session can then be repeated | Larger warts, or warts that didn't respond to acid |
| Surgical excision | The wart is cut out in the clinic under local anesthesia, and the wound is closed. It can leave a small scar | Very large or stubborn warts, or when the tissue needs a lab check |
Keep going until you're told to stop, even if the wart seems to be fading. Warts can also come back, so ask what to watch for afterward.
When to get a plantar wart checked
- It hurts when you walk or stand.
- Treating it yourself hasn't worked after about 8 weeks.
- It is growing or changing how it looks.
- It is around a nail, or you aren't sure it is a wart at all.
- The wart is on a child under 12.
Avoiding another one
Wear flip-flops at pools and in public showers and locker rooms. Don't share towels or pedicure tools, and keep your feet clean and dry. Don't pick at a wart, yours or anyone else's.
Booking and payment
Call 03-5124026 or send a WhatsApp message, say you'd like the visit in English, and name the city that suits you. You can attach a photo of the wart if you're comfortable sending one, and ask about the fee at the same time.
The practice is private, with no kupah (health fund) arrangement. Reimbursement from private insurance depends on your policy, so check with your insurer first. Your kupah may also offer wart treatment, so you can ask there too.
Common questions
Is a plantar wart the same as a verruca?
Yes. Both names describe a wart on the sole of the foot or the toes, caused by HPV.
Are plantar warts contagious?
Yes. The virus spreads through direct contact and through wet surfaces such as pool areas and public showers. A corn is not contagious.
How long does wart treatment take?
It depends on the method and on the wart. Acid treatment and freezing usually take weeks or longer, and larger or clustered warts tend to take longer.
Can I remove a plantar wart myself if I have diabetes?
No. With diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in the foot, don't treat it yourself. Get it examined.
Further reading: NHS: Warts and verrucas. Dr. Karf's full guide to warts is in Hebrew.
Pages in English: podiatrist in Israel · Jerusalem clinic · ingrown toenails · plantar warts · diabetic foot · heel pain
Dr. Andy Karf, D.P.M, podiatric surgeon, graduate of the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. More about Dr. Karf (in Hebrew)
Book a wart exam in English
Call 03-5124026 or send a WhatsApp message
