What are plantar warts?

Plantar wart is a wart that is found on the feet. Plantar warts are hard and grainy bumps on the foot that are usually found on the heel or ball of the foot. Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV and occur when the virus enters the body through cuts, break, or weak spots on the bottom of the feet.

Plantar warts are considered nonmalignant and may not require treatment. However, plantar warts can cause discomfort and pain and the best way to treat them is to remove them. Consult a podiatrist to learn more about plantar warts. Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with foot disorders.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of plantar warts?

• A small, rough, fleshy, and grainy growth on the bottom of the feet
• A hard, thick skin or callus on the skin
• Black pinpoints or small clotted blood vessels
• Presence of lesion in the skin of your foot
• Pain or tenderness while standing or walking
• When to see a doctor?
• If the discomfort interferes with your activities
• If there is an excessive amount of pain
• If the lesion changes in appearance or color
• You have a weak immune system
• You have diabetes or poor sensation in your feet
• You tried treating the wart but it multiplies or recurs
• You are not sure if the lesion is a wart

What are some ofthe treatments for plantar warts?

• Acid. Mild acid is applied to burn warts off. To remove your warts successfully, you have to apply acid several times over the week. Salicylic acid and dichloroacetic acid are the two best examples of acid that you can use to burn warts.
• Laser treatment. Lasers are used to destroy warts and are likely to result in some scarring.
• Cryotherapy. Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze warts and causes warts to turn black and fall off eventually.
• Oral medication. There is no known oral medication used to treat warts.
• Immunotherapy. If warts are resistant to treatment, the person will be referred to a dermatologist. The injection of Candida skin test into warts is effective.

How to prevent plantar warts?

• Avoid walking barefoot and use thongs or sandals in public shower rooms.
• Keep feet clean and dry.
• Avoid direct or close contact with warts from other people.
• Avoid sharing shoes and socks or shower facilities.
• Change shoes and socks daily.
• Always check children’s feet.
• Do not ignore growth or changes in the skin.
• Wash feet regularly and protect it from injury. 

Texas Foot Works located in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, TX, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment, call 214-340-8885.