Can Verrucas Turn Into Fungal Nail Infections? What You Need to Know

You’ve spotted something strange on your foot—a little hard lump, or maybe some thickened nail that doesn’t look quite right. So naturally, you hop onto Google, and suddenly you're deep in a sea of terms like “verruca,” “fungal infection,” and “plantar wart.” It’s confusing, right?

We hear it all the time in clinic: “Can my verruca turn into a fungal nail infection?” or “Is this even a verruca, or is it fungal?” It’s a great question—and an important one—because while the two conditions often look similar, they’re actually caused by completely different things.

Let’s clear things up and walk you through the difference, how they can exist together, and what to do if you’re dealing with either one (or both!).

What’s the Difference Between a Verruca and a Fungal Nail Infection?

Let’s start with some basics:

• A verruca is a type of wart that forms on the bottom of your foot. It’s caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and usually appears as a small, rough patch of skin, often with black dots in the centre. They can be painful, especially when you walk on them.

• A fungal nail infection, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like—an infection in the nail caused by fungus (most commonly dermatophytes). The nail may become thick, discoloured, crumbly, and sometimes lift from the nail bed.

So while both affect your feet and can cause discomfort or embarrassment, they come from completely different sources—a virus versus a fungus.

Can a Verruca Turn Into a Fungal Nail Infection?

Short answer? No, a verruca itself cannot transform into a fungal nail infection. The two conditions are caused by different organisms, so one doesn’t mutate into the other.

That said—they can show up at the same time, and one can make you more vulnerable to the other.

Here’s how:

When you have a verruca, especially if it’s close to or underneath a toenail, the surrounding skin can become damaged or broken. This creates the perfect environment for fungal spores to sneak in and take hold. Similarly, if you’ve been using public showers or swimming pools without footwear, you could easily pick up both a verruca and a fungal infection at the same time.

In other words, it’s not that the verruca causes the fungal infection—it’s that the same habits or environments can lead to both. And if your immune system is already under pressure dealing with one issue, you may be more likely to develop the other.

Why Are They So Often Confused?

One big reason people mix up verrucas and fungal infections is because of where they appear—and how they look in the early stages.

Verrucas near the toenail bed can cause hard, thickened skin, which sometimes leads people to think the nail is infected. On the flip side, a fungal nail infection can cause pressure and discomfort in the toe that mimics the sensation of stepping on a verruca.

Plus, there’s the DIY diagnosis issue. When you’re looking at your own foot, it’s easy to misread the signs—especially if you’re dealing with calluses, dry skin, or nail trauma at the same time.

Signs You Might Be Dealing with Both

It’s not unusual for people to come into the clinic with one issue, only to discover they’ve got a verruca and a fungal nail infection.

Here are a few signs to watch for:

• A rough patch of skin under or near the nail that’s painful to walk on

• Discoloured, brittle, or thickened nails

• Small black dots or a cauliflower-like texture on the foot

• A nail that appears to lift or separate from the nail bed

• Itching, cracking, or flaking skin around the toes

If you’re nodding along to more than one of these, there’s a good chance both are at play.

What Should You Do?

Whether you’ve got a verruca, a fungal nail issue, or both—it’s not something you need to just live with. The earlier you deal with it, the easier (and faster) the treatment usually is.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Get a proper diagnosis. Let a foot health professional take a look and confirm what’s going on.

• Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas. That includes swimming pools, gyms, and shared showers.

• Don’t share towels or nail clippers. Verrucas and fungal spores spread easily via these routes.

• Treat both problems properly. There are safe, effective treatments available for both verrucas and fungal nails—from laser and acid therapies for verrucas to antifungal treatments and nail care for fungal infections.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to get verrucas and fungal nail infections confused. While they’re two separate issues, they often show up in similar places and under similar circumstances. The good news? Both are treatable—and the sooner you catch them, the better the outcome.

If you’re not sure what’s going on with your feet, don’t second-guess it. Come in, let’s have a look, and we’ll get you on the path to healthy, comfortable feet again.

Want help figuring out if you’re dealing with a verruca, a fungal nail infection—or both? Book in for an assessment, and let’s get it sorted.