Plantar Warts; What You Should Know

What do you know about feet warts? Usually, a virus causes warts, which thrive in dark and damp shoes, among other environments. Warts are contagious and you may develop them even when maintaining good hygiene. Luckily there are effective treatments for warts, including over-the-counter medications. The warts Scottsdale specialist offers professional treatments for warts to promote your foot health. Keep reading as we look into details about warts.

What are the different types of warts that may develop in your feet?

Plantar warts are growth on your feet. They occur both in children and adults. They appear as small calluses with a dark dot at the center. Plantar warts usually develop on your toes and feet soles; areas where your feet experience the most pressure. They cause discomfort when you are walking or standing.

The effects are usually not severe; however, they interfere with your walking, leading to back and joint pain.

What are the symptoms of plantar warts?

The following symptoms indicate plantar warts.

·         Lighter than the rest of the skin

·         A rough growth under your feet on the toes and the heel

·         A growth that affects the usual ridges and lines in your foot skin

·         Hard and thickened skin over a spot on the skin

·         Discomfort when walking

You must seek medical care when the growths on your feet start bleeding, causes pain, and disrupts your daily activities.

What causes warts on your feet?

Warts occur, as a result of a viral infection, from specific strains of HPV. Various strains of the human papillomavirus are responsible for warts development on your hands, among other body parts.

HPV infection occurs easily in your body, so you may not notice the symptoms. You may also develop the HPV infection, but your immune system attacks the virus without giving it a chance to cause harm.

The virus gets into your feet through small cuts or openings on your feet.

How to prevent warts?

You can prevent warts in your feet by practicing good foot hygiene. It may involve the following.

·         Washing and drying your feet daily

·         Avoiding touching your warts or on someone else

·         Changing socks and shoes daily

·         Covering your feet when in changing rooms or gym showers

Plantar warts are more common in children; hence it is essential to regularly examine your child’s feet, to check for infections.

What are the treatments for warts?

Usually, warts resolve on themselves, however, when they do not, it’s best to see your doctor. Your provider at Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists recommends using wart removal preparations as the most effective warts treatment. It involves using liquids to kill warts.

For some patients, your provider uses cryotherapy, which involves using liquid nitrogen to remove warts.

If your warts do not go away with treatments, your provider suggests surgery. The surgical procedure is simple and occurs under anesthesia.

Your provider may also give you an HPV vaccination to treat warts and prevent more from developing.

If you have warts that bother you, feel free to ask for treatments to feel better. Contact Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule your appointment.