Warts
What are Plantar Warts?
Warts are one of several soft tissue conditions of the foot that can be
quite painful. They are caused by a virus, which generally invades the
skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. They can appear anywhere
on the skin, but technically only those on the sole are properly called
plantar warts. Children, especially teenagers, tend to be more susceptible
to warts than adults; some people seem to be immune.
Source of the Virus
The causative virus thrives in warm, moist environments. If left untreated,
warts can grow to an inch or more in circumference and can spread into
clusters of several warts; these are often called mosaic warts. Like any
other infectious lesion, plantar warts are spread by touching, scratching,
or even by contact with skin shed from another wart. The wart may also
bleed, another route for spreading.
It is important to note that warts can be very resistant to treatment and
have a tendency to reoccur. Occasionally, warts can spontaneously disappear
after a short time, and, just as frequently, they can recur in the same
location. When plantar warts develop on the weight-bearing areas of the
foot-the ball of the foot, or the heel, for example-they can be the source
of sharp, burning pain. Pain occurs when weight is brought to bear directly
on the wart, although pressure on the side of a wart can create equally
intense pain.
Tips for Prevention
- Avoid walking barefoot, except on sandy beaches.
- Change shoes and socks daily.
- Keep feet clean and dry.
- Check children's feet periodically.
- Avoid direct contact with warts-from other persons or from other parts
of the body.
- Do not ignore growths on, or changes in, your skin.
- Visit your podiatric physician as part of your annual health checkup.
Self Treatment
Self treatment is generally not advisable. Over-the-counter preparations
contain acids or chemicals that destroy skin cells, and it takes an expert
to destroy abnormal skin cells (warts) without also destroying surrounding
healthy tissue. Self treatment with such medications especially should
be avoided by people with diabetes and those with cardiovascular or circulatory
disorders. Never use them in the presence of an active infection.
Professional Treatment
It is possible that your podiatrist will prescribe and supervise your use
of a wart-removal prescription. More likely, however, removal of warts
by a simple surgical procedure, performed under local anesthetic, may
be needed. Lasers have become a common and effective treatment. A procedure
known as CO2 laser cautery is performed under local anesthesia either
in your podiatrist's office surgical setting or an outpatient surgery
facility. The laser reduces post-treatment scarring and is an effective
way of eliminating wart lesions
Tips for Individuals with Warts
- Avoid self treatment with over-the-counter medicine.
- Seek professional podiatric evaluation and assistance with the treament
of your warts.
- Diabetics and other patients with circulatory, immunological, or neurological
problems should be especially careful with the treament of their warts.
- Warts may spread and are contagious. Make sure you have your warts evaluated
to protect yourself and those close to you.