Warts Specialist

What are plantar warts?

Like all types of warts, a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes plantar warts. Researchers believe there are more than 100 different strains of HPV. The types of HPV that cause plantar warts are limited to warts on the feet.

Plantar warts develop on your heels or other areas that bear your body weight. Because of that frequent pressure, plantar warts grow inward instead of outward, and a thick layer of skin known as a callus covers them.

How did I get plantar warts?

Exposure to certain strains of HPV cause warts. In the case of plantar warts, walking barefoot over a surface that someone with the virus recently walked on is probably how you picked up the virus.

Some of the more common places to pick up the virus include:

• Locker rooms
• Saunas
• Steam rooms
• Pools
• Water parks
• During activities performed barefoot, such as gymnastics, martial arts, and dancing

If you have a compromised immune system or a history of plantar warts you are at an elevated risk and should take extra precautions.

How can I prevent plantar warts?

The most important step you can take to reduce your risk is to avoid walking barefoot in public spaces. You can purchase inexpensive shower shoes or water-resistant sandals to protect your feet.

You should also take good care of the skin on your feet, addressing any sores or cuts as they arise. Any opening in your skin increases the risk that a virus can enter your body. Even cracked heels can elevate your risk of plantar warts.

How are plantar warts treated?

Most plantar warts will eventually go away on their own, without treatment. Some, however, are painful or spread to nearby areas of skin. Those warts require medical treatment to ease discomfort and reduce the chances of new warts developing.

Your podiatrist at Podiatry Clinic of Jackson can eliminate plantar warts using prescription-strength medications. These drugs remove layers of warts in small increments. Some drugs also promote your body’s natural healing response.

Another treatment option involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected tissue. Your skin is numbed before a small amount of the chemical is applied to the wart. That kills the affected cells, which will slough off around a week after treatment. Larger warts may require more than one treatment before they are completely gone.

If you have one or more plantar warts, book a visit with Podiatry Clinic of Jackson to explore treatment options. Schedule your appointment online or call the clinic.