Warts are one of several soft tissue conditions of the foot that can be quite painful. Plantar Warts are caused by a virus and can appear on the sole of the foot. Children, especially teenagers, tend to be more susceptible to warts than adults.

What Are the Causes

The virus that causes warts generally invade the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. The plantar wart is often contracted by walking barefoot on dirty surfaces or littered ground where the virus is lurking. The causative virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making infection a common occurrence in communal bathing facilities.

Home Care

Self- Treatment is generally not advisable. Over-the-counter preparations contain acids or chemicals that destroy skin cells, and it takes an expert to destroy abnormal skin cells (warts) without also destroying surrounding healthy tissue. Self-treatment with such medications especially should be avoided by people with diabetes those with cardiovascular or circulatory disorders. Never use these medications in the presence of an active infection

When to Visit a Podiatrist

It is wise to consult a podiatric physician when any suspicious growth or eruption is detected to on the skin of the foot in order to ensure a correct diagnosis. It is possible for a variety of more serious lesions to appear on the foot, including malignant lesions such as carcinomas and melanomas. Although rare, these conditions can sometimes be misidentified as a wart.

If you think you may have a wart call Cornerstone Foot & Ankle to schedule your appointment or request your appointment online TODAY!