Plantar warts are unsightly and can be painful. These small, hardened growths that form on the bottom of the foot are typically benign, but highly contagious. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is usually the primary cause, enters the body through a sore or crack in the skin. It generally affects the heels and the fleshy area at the base of the toes. The virus is found in moist places like communal pools, public showers, and gym locker rooms. It’s recommended to wear protective foot coverings in such areas to help prevent contact with the virus. It’s also important to avoid touching the warts, as the virus can be easily spread. Treatment options include over-the-counter medications, liquid nitrogen, which burns the callus off the foot, or cryotherapy which freezes the wart. If plantar warts are a recurring problem, it is strongly suggested to visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.