Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, appear on the soles of the feet and can be painful. Prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to the virus. Always wear footwear in communal areas such as locker rooms and pools, avoid sharing personal items like shoes and towels, and keep your feet clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Boosting your immune system through maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can also help. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the warts. Remedies like salicylic acid can effectively dissolve the wart over time. Cryotherapy, performed by a podiatrist, involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off. Laser treatment and immunotherapy are other professional options. For stubborn or painful warts, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.