Plantar Warts

What are plantar warts?

Plantar warts are one of several painful soft tissue conditions of the foot. They are small round bumps with a slightly raised edge commonly found in the soles of the feet. They are caused by the HPV virus and can appear on any body part. Plantar warts are frequently contracted by walking barefoot on dirty or littered surfaces where the virus is present. Symptoms may take several weeks to appear after infection.

What causes plantar warts?

Plantar warts are caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus or HPV. The virus usually enters the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. Plantar warts spread quickly and are frequently contracted by walking barefoot on dirty or littered surfaces where the virus lurks. Because the virus thrives in warm, moist environments, infection is common in gyms, swimming pools, and other social spaces. This is why wearing shoes in public places is strongly advised.

Plantar warts can range in size from tiny and barely noticeable to the size of a large grape. They most commonly appear on skin that has been in constant contact with the ground and in moist, dark places such as between your toes and under your heel.

What are the symptoms of plantar warts?

After a few weeks of infection, symptoms begin to appear. They include the following:

• Walking or standing causes pain, itching, or tenderness.
• Around the wart, there is a thick, dark, and blackish discoloration.
• Small, fleshier, rough, grainy bump on the sole of the feet.

It is important to note that warts can be resistant to treatment and tend to reoccur.

How are plantar warts diagnosed?

Plantar warts are easily identified by looking and feeling them. A blood test or an x-ray of your foot can be used to make a more precise diagnosis, and in some cases, small pieces of the wart are removed and tested. It is also critical to rule out infection, which is usually accompanied by a fever or pain in the affected area.

How are plantar warts treated?

There are several ways to treat plantar warts, and the most effective method may vary depending on the individual case. Treatment options include:

• Freezing: This method uses extreme cold to destroy the wart tissue.
• Chemical Treatment: This approach uses a strong acid to remove the wart tissue.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the plantar wart. This is typically done as a last resort when other methods have failed.

Plantar warts are a common and often painful condition that can be tricky to treat. If you think you may have a plantar wart, it is important to see Dr. Hassan for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Self-treatment is generally not advisable. Over-the-counter preparations contain acids or chemicals that destroy skin cells, and it takes an expert to destroy abnormal skin cells (warts) without also destroying surrounding healthy tissue. Self-treatment with such medications especially should be avoided by people with diabetes and those with cardiovascular or circulatory disorders. Never use these medications in the presence of an active infection.

Can plantar warts be prevented?

To avoid infection and prevent plantar warts, it is critical to practice good hygiene and take the following precautions:

• Avoid walking barefoot
• Keep feet clean and dry
• Change shoes and socks daily
• Check children's feet periodically
• Do not ignore growths on, or changes in, your skin
• Avoid direct contact with warts from other persons or other parts of the body

Can plantar warts cause other problems?

Other problems may come as a result of plantar warts. If you are in pain, you may find yourself changing your normal posture, and this change in how you stand, walk, or run can lead to muscle or joint discomfort.