Plantar warts on feet

A wart is a tiny, rough tumor which commonly develops on the hands and feet. This skin change may resemble a cauliflower or develops in a form of a solid blister. In case a wart occurs on the sole of the foot it is called a verruca.

Warts are caused by viral infections (mainly human papilloma virus type 2 and 7). They are considered harmless skin changes which only cause aesthetic problems. In many cases warts disappear within a few months although they may linger for years and they can even recur. They are effectively eliminated with certain home remedies and over-the-counter creams and in case they linger they are treated with more aggressive treatment modalities.

Causes of Plantar Warts on Feet

Plantar warts develop as a consequence of direct skin-to-skin contact. The virus responsible for plantar warts is contagious. It grows and multiplies in warm and wet conditions such as swimming pools, shower room floors, locker rooms etc. In case a person has a cut on the feet and has come in contact with the virus he/ she is at the higher risk of developing plantar warts. The infection can be also spread from the feet to the other parts of the body.

Presentation of Plantar Warts on Feet

Initially plantar warts develop in a form of small, grain like bumps. These skin changes are flesh-colored and there may be tiny black colored specs on the surface of the wart. A person is due to consult a doctor in case he/ she recognizes the formation of a wart, the warts become painful or change their color, the number of warts increases or they fail to respond to home remedies and if the wart interferes in everyday activities.

How to Get Rid of Plantar Warts on Feet?

The goal of plantar wart treatment is to deal with painful warts and prevent their further spread. In many cases home treatments can effectively deal with plantar warts. These remedies contain salicylic acid and are available in a form of a duct tape that is placed directly onto the wart.

Stubborn plantar warts may require more aggressive approach. The doctor chooses the least painful and least destructive method.

Plantar warts can be successfully destroyed with cryotherapy, certain substances such as cantharidin, surgical procedures such as cutting of the wart, laser surgery, immunotherapy and injections with bleomycin.

When choosing the treatment for stubborn plantar warts doctor pays special attention to chose the most convenient treatment especially in children who require more specific approach and are not supposed to undergo certain treatments.