Warts Specialist

What causes plantar warts?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes plantar warts. This viral infection enters the outer layers of your skin, usually in weak or broken spots — like wounds or ulcers — along the soles of your feet.

Plantar warts are highly contagious, so chances are, you either came into contact with someone who had them, shared footwear with an infected person, or walked barefoot on an HPV-contaminated surface. Not everyone who comes into contact with HPV winds up with warts — some can fight off the infection. But you’re more likely to develop plantar warts if you:

• Have a weakened immune system
• Are a child or teenager
• Previously had plantar warts

Plantar warts are common, so you can feel confident that you’re going to have a successful recovery as soon as you start treatment.

Are there symptoms of plantar warts?

Yes. In most cases, it’s common to notice a small, fleshy growth or patch of growths at the base of the bottom of your toes. These growths may have black pinpoints, which are tiny clotted blood vessels. Warts can even cause pain or tenderness while walking.

Sometimes plantar warts start to grow inwards, particularly if you’ve continued to walk on them for an extended period of time. In this case, you might notice a thickened callus over the wart.

How are foot warts treated?

Plantar warts aren’t generally a medical concern, but they can certainly cause discomfort and become unsightly. Your dedicated podiatrist at Town Center Foot & Ankle finds the most effective foot wart solution for your particular needs. Treatment can include:

• Topical medications
• Freezing medicine (cryotherapy)
• Salicylic acid peeling medicines

Sometimes it’s best to treat the affected skin through surgery. In-office foot wart surgery involves destroying your warts with an electric needle (electrodesiccation and curettage), or removing the affected skin by gently trimming away warts. Because foot warts are so contagious, your podiatrist also counsels you on what you need to do to prevent warts in the future.

Request your foot wart appointment at Town Center Foot & Ankle today. You can request an appointment either over the phone or online.