Plantar warts refer to a common type of wart found on the soles of your feet. Plantar warts often develop in areas that bear constant weight, like the ball or heel of the foot.
What Causes Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts develop as a result of an infection. Specific types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) commonly infect the largest organ in the body – the skin. However, not every person who is exposed to or comes into contact with these strains of HPV will develop plantar warts because there are, as always, specific factors that help contribute to plantar wart development.
These factors include -
Direct Contact
Plantar warts, which are not considered highly contagious, will spread if someone comes into direct contact with the virus in its host or a friendly environment – like a public swimming pool, a communal shower, or a locker room.
Note that simple preventive measures and good foot hygiene habits - like wearing sandals or flip-flops in public areas that may be prone to the virus - are effective ways to reduce your chances of contracting the virus that causes plantar warts.
Skin Breaks
A virus typically enters your body through a small abrasion/cut or in those areas on the sole of the feet that are susceptible to the virus, especially if you have sweaty feet or spend a lot of time in the water.
Weakened Immune System
People with a weakened immune system (which may happen naturally or as a result of taking immunosuppressive medication) may find they are more susceptible to developing this type of wart on their feet.
How to Identify a Plantar Wart?
It is important to understand how to identify a plantar wart to treat it appropriately. The following are common characteristics of a plantar wart –
Appearance
These warts tend to have a rough and often grainy texture. They may appear as thickened skin or a fleshy bump that has dark dots (clotted blood vessels) within the wart.
Location
Plantar warts are most commonly found on the bottom/soles of the feet.
Pain and Discomfort
Plantar warts can cause discomfort or pain. This can be aggravated when standing, walking, or any other weight-bearing activity.
Treating Plantar Warts
The treatment of warts varies and is contingent on the location and the severity of the condition. Treatment options include -
Over-the-Counter Medications
There are various over-the-counter plantar wart removal treatments. Salicylic acid, which comes in various forms - gel, liquid, or adhesive pads exfoliates the layers of the wart when consistently applied. This gradually removes the wart, although following the product's instructions is essential.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy refers to the use of extreme cold (using liquid nitrogen) to freeze the wart. This destroys the tissue and typically removes the wart after several treatments.
Prescription Medications
In some cases, a podiatrist may prescribe a topical cream or solutions with higher levels of salicylic acid or another type of chemical more effective in removing stubborn warts.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments apply a beam of light that essentially destroys the tissue. This type of therapy is often used on large or highly resistant plantar warts.
Surgical Removal
Surgical procedures under local anesthesia may be an option in those instances when the wart is painfully persistent.
Immunotherapy
In certain situations, immunotherapy may be a viable option that can be used to stimulate the body's natural immune response to the virus.
While self-treatment options are available, it is advisable to seek the evaluation of a podiatric doctor to ensure the diagnosis is correct and you are using the most effective methods to treat the plantar wart.