A rough spot on the sole of your foot may look like a callus but could be a plantar wart. This small skin growth develops when a virus enters the skin. Plantar warts usually appear on the bottom of the foot, where pressure from standing can push them deeper into the skin. They can look like calluses because the surface becomes thick and hard. Tiny black dots may appear within the growth. These dots are small areas of dried blood, not dirt. Some warts cause pain while walking, especially when pressure falls directly on the affected area. Others cause little discomfort at first.
Plantar warts develop after contact with human papillomavirus, also called HPV. This virus causes warts on other parts of the body, too. Children, teenagers, and older adults are frequently affected. A single wart can grow larger and develop smaller warts nearby. Another form, called mosaic warts, consists of several small growths packed closely together. These clusters can be harder to treat. A podiatrist examines the skin to distinguish a wart from a callus or another growth. Checking the area is important because different skin problems can look alike.
Treatment focuses on removing the wart and reducing discomfort. A podiatrist can recommend medicine applied directly to the growth or an acid treatment that removes affected skin. Another option is freezing the wart with a special treatment called cryotherapy. Laser treatment may also be considered for stubborn cases. The best approach depends on the wart's size, location, and response to previous care. Follow-up appointments allow a podiatrist to check progress and determine whether more treatment is appropriate. Plantar warts can return after treatment, so careful monitoring matters. If you have symptoms of plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
