Plantar Warts

What are plantar warts?

Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, are small warts that typically develop on the soles of your feet. They look like tiny calluses with a black dot in the center.

Plantar warts often cause few or no symptoms, so you may not be aware you have them. However, if they appear on areas of your feet that bear your weight, the additional pressure might make them uncomfortable.

Sometimes, while avoiding the discomfort of plantar warts on your feet, your gait can change in such a way that you develop joint or back pain.

What causes plantar warts to develop?

Plantar warts are a symptom of an infection with a particular strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Some of the 100 plus strains of HPV also cause warts in other areas of your body.

The most likely place to pick up the HPV strain that causes plantar warts is in a shared changing room where you spend time barefoot. If you're in such an environment, keep your feet covered as much as possible, and don't touch another person's warts.

Observe good foot hygiene by washing and drying your feet carefully and wear fresh socks every day. Children are especially vulnerable to picking up plantar warts, so make sure they keep their feet clean and check them regularly for signs of warts.

HPV infection is common, but as it often causes no noticeable symptoms, many people have it without knowing. In a lot of cases, the immune system identifies the infection and destroys the virus without requiring any additional treatment.

What treatments can help with plantar warts?

There are several ways to treat troublesome plantar warts. One is with a wart removal liquid containing salicylic acid. You need to apply the liquid regularly, and it can take time for the warts to go away.

Another treatment for plantar warts is cryotherapy, which involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the warts.

At Eastside Foot & Ankle Clinic, P.C., Dr. Berlin uses combination therapy for plantar warts, which involves salicylic acid applications and cryotherapy. That typically produces faster results and makes it less likely that the warts will come back.

If you or your child has plantar warts, visit Eastside Foot & Ankle Clinic, P.C., for fast and effective treatment. Call the office or book an appointment online today.