Warts are flat growths caused by viral skin infections. They’re usually smaller than the head of a thumbtack, but they can sometimes grow larger.
Plantar warts develop on the bottom of your feet or on your toes. Other types of warts can appear on the top of your feet as well.
Different types of warts are caused by different strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be spread to other people through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing an environment with someone who has a wart. Plantar warts are often spread at shared shower facilities, public swimming pools and locker rooms because the moisture in these environments helps keep the virus alive longer. Children and young adults are more susceptible to catching the virus.
Follow these precautions to help prevent warts from spreading:
- Wash hands and feet frequently
- Don’t pick at warts
- Don’t touch your warts or someone else’s
- Keep feet dry
Even if you don’t have plantar warts, it’s a good idea to wear shower shoes in public pools, gyms, and other shared environments.
You may have plantar warts if you have a small growth on the bottom of your foot with any of the following characteristics:
- Tiny dark spots
- Rough or spongy texture
- Occur singly or in clusters
- Pain when walking or standing
If you’re unsure if your growth is a wart or not, it’s a good idea to have an evaluation by the team at Westchester Foot Care to rule out any conditions that can lead to a severe complication.
Over-the-counter medications are available, but these are much less effective than the treatments your doctor can provide. If you’ve tried over-the-counter treatment without success, it’s not advisable to repeat the treatment, as this can aggravate your discomfort.
You should never attempt to cut a wart off on your own. Our caring podiatrists can provide safe, effective treatments for your warts, many of which work quickly to alleviate your discomfort.
Treatments
Our experienced podiatrists offer a range of options for treating warts. These include:
- Prescription-strength acids
- Astringents
- Cryotherapy
- Electrosurgery
- Surgical removal
Electrosurgery involves the use of a hyfrecator to rapidly and selectively destroy tissue by the passage of an electric current through the tip of the hyfrecator as it touches the skin. This will burn off the tissue in question. Small skin lesions can be treated without anesthesia. but larger areas may require topical or local anesthesia.
For more information, call Westchester Foot Care to schedule an evaluation today.
