Overview
Warts are growths of the skin and mucous membranes (the mouth or genitals) that are caused by over 100 types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). A plantar wart occurs on the sole of the foot and can feel like a callus. The virus causes thickening of the top skin layer. Plantar warts can be small, or they can grow to cover most of the sole of the foot. They are usually painless and go away on their own, sometimes taking a few months to resolve (but can take up to 2 years).
Warts are usually acquired from person-to-person contact. The virus is not highly contagious but can cause an infection by entering through a small break in the skin. In the same way, warts can be spread to other places on the child's body. The virus is rarely transferred by touching an object used by an infected person, but it is still a good idea for siblings to refrain from sharing towels or socks.
