Plantar warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They are contagious, meaning they can be spread from person to person and even to other areas of the foot. Plantar warts are referred to as verruca plantaris in the medical world and are found on the bottom of the foot. They are usually flat on the surface, have a cauliflower-like texture and often contain tiny black dots, which indicate the presence of blood vessels. Warts need a supply of blood to feed the virus and keep it alive. Plantar warts can be pesky, hard to get rid of and can even return after they’ve been cured!
What causes warts?
Walking barefoot on surfaces where the HPV may be lurking will increase your risk for exposure. HPV thrives in moist, warm environments, such as pool decks, locker room floors and showers. There are over a hundred different strains of this virus, but only a few are linked to warts on the feet. Not everyone who is exposed to HPV will develop a wart. Children and teenagers tend to be more susceptible than adults and a weak immune system or a break in the exposed skin can increase your risk for developing one.
How are warts treated?
If you suspect you have a wart, it is always best to have it assessed to determine it is in fact a wart. At-home treatments do exist, but they need to be used with caution. Salicylic acid, a treatment that can be purchased over-the-counter, is applied to the wart as a solution or a cream and is then covered.
If at-home treatment is not working, Registered Chiropodists and Advanced Footcare Nurses at BioPed Footcare use a variety of treatments that are not available at drugstores and often, not even through Primary Care Providers. Treatment options include but are not limited to blistering agents applied topically, cryotherapy, and dry needling. It’s important to remember, if warts are left untreated, they can become quite large, or they can spread into a cluster of warts which is known as mosaic warts.
How can you reduce your risk of developing another plantar wart?
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water after touching a plantar wart
- Thoroughly clean your feet and in between your toes daily
- Dry your feet and in between your toes after swimming or washing
- Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, shoes, socks, nail clippers, files or other personal items
- Wear clean socks that absorb or wick away moisture from the surface of the skin every day
- Always wear sandals in public locker rooms, pools, saunas, steam rooms or showers
- Clean the inside of your shoes with a disinfectant spray or wipes
- Use SteriShoe© or ShoeZap©, which are a UV light system that kills viruses, bacteria and fungus living inside/on your shoes
To find a BioPed Registered Chiropodist or Advanced Footcare Nurse, visit our website today!
