Can't Stand the Pain? It Might be a Plantar Wart
Do you have a wart on the bottom of your foot that bothers you? This could be more common than you may think!
While warts can form anywhere on the body, warts on the soles of the feet are called plantar warts. About 10% of people have plantar warts, and about 10% to 20% of teenagers. They’re typically uncomfortable, may be painful to the touch, and cause pain when you put weight on the affected foot. This makes them particularly bothersome, especially for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. So what can we do about them?
What are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts, or verruca warts, are benign (not harmful) bumps on the soles of the feet. They’re caused by an infection called human papillomavirus virus (HPV), which can get into your system through a break in your skin. A plantar wart typically looks like a white area of skin with tiny black dots in it and may occur on your heel or toes as well as the soles of your feet.
Symptoms of Plantar Warts
When plantar warts are on the soles of the feet or underneath your toes, your body weight pushes the wart into your skin. This means that plantar warts often aren’t raised like other types of warts. Common symptoms of plantar warts include:
- A small, rough area of skin
- Hard, thickened skin (callus) in the affected area
- Small black dots in the affected area— these are clotted blood vessels or dried blood clots
- Mild discomfort when standing or walking
- Pain or tenderness when bearing weight on the affected foot
What Causes a Plantar Wart?
Plantar warts are the result of HPV entering your body through a break, cut, or weak area in your skin. This virus is very common, especially among people who frequently go barefoot in warm, moist places such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers. However, not every person who comes into contact with HPV will get warts. Some people are more prone to warts than others, including children and people with weakened immune systems.
Ready to find a treatment option for your warts?
Plantar Wart Treatment: How It Works
There are several forms of wart treatment options available, including:
- Cryotherapy—This is a simple procedure in which your podiatrist applies liquid nitrogen to your wart, usually in spray form or with a cotton swab. It is the same procedure as with skin tag removal. The nitrogen causes a blister to form around the wart, and within a few weeks, the dead tissue should begin to fall off. People generally require several cryotherapy treatments spaced two to three weeks apart.
- Salicylic acid—This is a prescription wart medication in liquid or gel form that aims to remove warts layer by layer. You will need to apply it every day for a few weeks.
- Electrodesiccation (or cautery) and curettage— This is a surgical excision of the wart, which is performed under a local anaesthetic. The aim is to dry the wart and remove it with a small, scoop-like instrument. Surgical excision is typically only used for warts that haven’t responded to any other treatment, and generally shouldn’t be performed on warts on the soles of the feet.
- Laser therapy— This treatment involves a laser burning the wart off. The lasers aim to cut off the blood supply, causing the wart to die.
Your Wart Removal Questions Answered
How many treatments will I need?
This will depend on the treatment option you choose. Most people who choose cryotherapy will require several treatments spaced a few weeks apart, while surgical excision may only take one session. How long it takes depends on many factors including your general health and immune system.
What does it mean if I have a lot of warts in one area?
Some people have one plantar wart, while others have a cluster of growths in one area. This is known as mosaic warts. Whether you have a singular plantar wart or many, the treatment options often remain the same.
How long do plantar warts last?
If left untreated, plantar warts in children tend to last between a few months and a few years. In adults, a plantar wart may last upwards of several years. As such, it’s important to address your plantar warts with a podiatrist as soon as possible so that you can return to your normal activities sooner.
Can you prevent plantar warts?
Prevention is key! There are many ways to reduce your risk of developing plantar warts, such as:
- Wearing shoes or sandals in moist, warm areas, such as locker rooms at public swimming pools
- Not sharing shoes, socks, towels, or nail clippers with anybody
- Thoroughly drying your feet after you shower
- Wearing clean socks
- Getting the HPV vaccine
Why Talaria
Patient-First Care
As a family clinic, we ensure our patients receive the same advice and quality of care we would want for our family.
Caring Team
We understand any concerns you may have about wart removal or any other procedure, and treat you with the care you deserve.
Passionate Podiatrists
With years of experience behind us, our team of foot doctors is dedicated to helping you get back on your feet.
Your Feet are in Safe Hands at Talaria
At Talaria, we take the time to care. We assess your wart, feet, and discuss your medical history to ensure every aspect is covered. Then, we get to work and aim to destroy that wart for good! Don’t make a wart your new normal— book online and visit our friendly Thornbury podiatry clinic today.