Despite being aesthetically uncomfortable, warts usually bring little to no physical discomfort. However, this is not the case with plantar warts.
They are small warts that grow beneath the skin under your feet and can cause pain and discomfort. Quite common, they can present a particular challenge for those who contract the HPV virus.
This article explains how to identify, treat and prevent plantar warts. Keep reading!
What causes plantar warts?
This type of wart appears through blisters, cuts, and other openings in the flesh of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The HPV then builds up in the outer layers of your skin as it attacks the cells. The result is a rough appearance at the site and the appearance of warts.
Warts can be transmitted from person to person. Places like public bathrooms, swimming pools, changing rooms, and other sites where large numbers of people walk around barefoot, are prone to spread the virus.
This type of virus is widespread in children and adolescents but can also affect adults with weakened immune systems.
Common symptoms of plantar warts
While most warts look like small bumps on the skin, plantar warts grow inward. They appear under one or several thick calluses under the skin.
You can find these warts on the bottom of the foot, which can be painful when standing or walking. In addition, some black dots, often called wart seeds, may appear. They are small clotted blood vessels.
Finally, mosaic warts, a cluster of growths on the sole of your foot, can also appear.
Do you need to seek medical help for plantar warts?
Warts are often treated with over-the-counter drugs. However, if this does not work or you are not sure it is a plantar wart, we recommend you to see a doctor. The doctor may do a physical exam to check for wart growth.
People seek medical attention when the wart changes color, bleeds or causes pain.
People with impaired immune systems due to immunosuppressive medications, AIDS/HIV, or other immune system disorders should also seek medical attention.
How to prevent plantar warts?
Some simple care can help prevent the appearance of plantar warts. Check them out:
- Keeping your feet dry and clean is the main tip for not getting in contact with the virus.
- When walking around changing rooms, gym showers, and swimming pools, you must wear foot protection as these are the primary transmission factors;
- If you have already developed warts, you should take specific measures to prevent them from spreading:
- Don’t touch the wart;
- If you need to apply medication, remember to wash your hands after handling the wart.
- Don’t scratch or poke them; and,
- If you use sandpaper on your wart, don’t let it get in contact with other body parts.
How to treat a plantar wart?
There are cases where the wart disappears without any treatment. However, in some instances, medical follow-up is necessary.
A doctor may prescribe substances such as salicylic acid in cream, liquid stick, or cotton pads. Another type of treatment is cryotherapy, which is used to “freeze” the wart.
Laser therapy is also an option. This method burns the blood vessels responsible for feeding the wart. However, salicylic acid and liquid nitrogen treatments are the most common.
Treatment usually involves several sessions that must take place for weeks until warts disappear.
If plantar warts return, you must seek medical help. In some instances, you can use more than one treatment simultaneously.
Now you’re prepared to identify and prevent plantar warts. Was this topic helpful to you? Then, remember to share this article with someone who also needs to know this information!