Going on a trip can be adventurous, relaxing and fun!  It is always nice to get away to a new place or even somewhere you’ve been numerous times before.  Catching a few rays and taking a dip in a refreshing swimming pool usually means that our feet are bare and exposed.  Unfortunately, public spaces such as pool decks, can put our bare feet at risk of infection with viruses and microorganisms that cause common foot issues such as warts, and fungal infection.

Warts and fungus are caused by different types of microorganisms, BUT they are both contagious in nature and can spread from person to person or to various parts of the foot!

Warts

Warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and can develop anywhere on the body including the sole of the foot.   Plantar warts are known as verruca plantaris in the medical world.  They can be pesky and hard to eradicate. Children and teenagers tend to be more susceptible to warts than adults.  Not everyone who is exposed to HPV will develop a wart.  A weak immune system or a break in the skin can increase a person’s risk for developing a wart.

Plantar warts, which are present on the bottom of the foot, are usually flat on the surface and have a cauliflower-like texture.  Squeezing or applying pressure at the sides can elicit pain.  Plantar warts often contain tiny black dots in the center.  At-home treatments can sometimes be effective if used properly and with caution.  Salicylic acid is a treatment that can be purchased over-the-counter and is typically applied to the wart as a solution or a cream and then covered with tape or a bandage.

Fungal infections

Fungus likes to live where it is warm, dark and moist.  People with sweaty feet are more susceptible to developing a fungal infection.  Fungus can infect nails and skin, and similar to warts, if a person’s immune system is compromised, they will be more susceptible to developing a fungal infection.

Fungus & skin

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin and is also known as tinea pedis.  Athlete’s foot can occur anywhere on the foot but is especially common in between the toes and on the bottoms of the feet where the moisture level tends to be higher.  A fungal infection on the bottom of the foot is known as moccasin tinea pedis as it typically covers the sole and sides of the foot like a moccasin or slipper.  The skin in between toes may be white, peeling, cracked, itchy, have a burning or stinging sensation, and can even appear inflamed.  On the bottom of the foot, the skin on the sole and sides is typically itchy and may appear dry and scaly or may peel.  Moccasin tinea pedis is often mistaken for dry skin.

Fungus & nails

Also known as onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis), fungal toenails can be uncomfortable, thickened, misshaped, discoloured, crumbly and smelly.  Onychomycosis can be a source of embarrassment and insecurity and can even lead to skin breakdown due to excess pressure on the nail bed.  Toenail fungus is evident in the nail plate or the toenail itself, but the infection resides underneath in the nail bed. If toenails are injured or if a person’s immune system is not working as well as it should, there is a greater risk for a fungal infection developing.  Fungal toenails are infamously hard to eradicate.  The challenge with treatment is penetration of the applied medication.

How BioPed can help

If you think you might have a wart or a fungal infection of your skin or nails, give your local BioPed a call today to find out how we can help you and your feet!  To find a BioPed Registered Chiropodist or Advanced Footcare Nurse who can help you

It is always nice to escape our cold Canadian winter for warmer temperatures and sunshine.  Catching some rays and taking a dip in a refreshing swimming pool usually means our bare feet are exposed.  Unfortunately, public spaces, such as a pool deck could be a breeding ground for skin infections and result in catching a common skin lesion, known as a wart.

Warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and they are contagious, meaning they can be spread from person to person.  They can develop anywhere on the body including the sole of the foot.   Plantar warts, referred to as verruca plantaris in the medical world, can be pesky and hard to eradicate. Children and teenagers tend to be more susceptible to warts than adults.

BioPed’s Medical Footcare Clinicians are trained and equipped to treat warts but commonly find their clients mistake warts for corns.  It is imperative to know what condition you have before initiating any treatment.

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.  A weak immune system or a break in the exposed skin can increase a person’s risk for developing a wart.

If left untreated, warts can grow and become quite large and they can also spread into clusters of several warts which are called mosaic warts.  Although rare, warts can become cancerous if left untreated, making diagnosis and treatment even more important.

Warts and corns can be confused as they often have a similar appearance.  A corn is caused by friction and pressure; related to the way we walk and the types of footwear we choose.   They develop over time and typically do not spontaneously disappear.

What do warts look like?

Plantar warts are usually flat on the surface and may have a cauliflower-like texture.  Squeezing or applying pressure at the sides can elicit pain.  Plantar warts often contain tiny black dots in the centre.  These dots indicate bleeding from the smallest blood vessels in our body and are a common feature of warts.  Warts need a supply of blood to feed the virus and keep it alive.

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 is a treatment that can be purchased over-the-counter and is applied to the wart as a solution or a cream and is then covered.

How BioPed can help

If at-home treatment is not working, BioPed Registered Chiropodists and Advanced Footcare Nurses use a variety of treatment options that are not available at drugstores and often, not through primary care providers.