What is a plantar wart?
A wart is a skin growth caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than a hundred known types of HPV. This virus likes to infect the skin through any cut, hole, or scrape in the skin. Once this virus gets into the skin, it grows very quickly to form a wart. Most warts will go away on their own, however, they may take a few months or years to go away.
How do they look?
Plantar warts grow on the bottom of the feet. They look like hard, thick spots on the bottom of the feet. They may be light or dark in color. They may cause pain with walking and feel like pebbles under the feet. They can also grow around the toenails and look like rough bumps with an uneven surface. These can affect nail growth.
How do warts spread?
Warts are spread by direct contact. You can infect other parts of your body by touching the wart and touching yourself. You can also infect others by sharing towels, razors, sandals and other personal items. After coming into contact with the virus, it might take several months for it to show on the skin.
How does it feel?
Most warts are usually not painful, however, as they get larger they may become painful from pressure. They tend to grow bigger and look ugly.
How are they treated?
Your doctor may decide on which direction of treatment to go. It can be by laser, applying salicylic acid or a stronger medicine. The doctor may also remove the wart with surgery. Treatment does not always work if only the wart is destroyed, but the virus remains.
How can you tell it’s a wart?
If you have any such growth on your skin, contact Cornerstone Foot and Ankle. Your doctor can tell if it’s warts or he/she may take a piece and send to a laboratory to be sure what it is.
If you have any questions please contact Cornerstone Foot and Ankle or make an Appointment Request.