Plantar Warts Overview and Definitions

Though often harmless, plantar warts are often removed because they can be painful (or at least irritating). They are noncancerous growths that normally occur on three areas of the feet: on the plantar surface (also called the sole), ball, or heel. They often develop into the deeper skin layers because they are "pushed in" by the pressure from walking and standing.

Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (more commonly referred to as HPV). The HPV enters the feet through tiny breaks and cuts and breaks in your skin. It typically dies within one or two years, after which the warts vanish. Many doctors recommend having the warts removed, though, because they can cause discomfort. If not treated, some plantar warts grow bigger – sometimes as big one inch in circumference. Untreated plantar warts may also multiply into clusters. Some severe plantar warts even cause posture problems that cause leg pain and/or back pain.

Plantar warts treatment comes in many forms. Aside from traditional medicine, there are herbal medicine for plantar warts, beetle juice for plantar wart, and even plantar warts duct tape.

Plantar Warts Signs and Symptoms

Plantar warts are fairly easy to spot. They are usually brown or gray, spongy, and rough. Most warts have darker pinpoints, which are actually very small capillaries supplying the warts blood. Do not expect to see the "whole" wart – the part that you can see on the skin surface is actually just a small fraction of the complete wart. The part of the wart deep in the skin is more less than two times as big as the part on the surface.

Most patients feel some degree of pain when pressure is applied on the warts, such as when standing. Most patients also complain of discomfort – they feel a stone-like lump in their shoes because of the wart.

Plantar Warts Causes and Risk Factors

The American Podiatric Medical Association says that children and young adults are especially prone to plantar warts. Also at risk are people who often walk barefoot in moist places, such as locker rooms or common comfort rooms. People who often use public swimming pools can also be susceptible.

HPV only survives when antibodies are not able to destroy them. People with weak immune systems are likely to develop plantar warts.

Plantar Warts Tests and Diagnosis

A physical exam is oftentimes all that is needed to diagnose plantar warts, which look unique and are easy to distinguish. Some doctors may require a skin sample, though, for further testing. The doctor may scrape skin cells from the plantar wart for evaluation.

Plantar Warts Treatment Methods

Over the Counter Treatments

Traditional treatment usually involves application of a mild acid such as salicylic, dichloroacetic, or cantharidin acid to the plantar warts. These mild acids effective kill HPV without destroying surrounding cells. On every popular cantharidin is beetle juice, which is painted onto the plantar warts and then covered with clear tape. This procedure causes blistering of the skin beneath the plantar warts, lifting off the warts from the skin. Note, however, that the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved cathindrin for warts treatment. Some doctors may be hesitant to use it.

Plantar Wart Laser Treatment

Some cases require laser treatments such as CO2 cautery. Lasers are effective and usually do not leave any scars, but they have to be performed in a health facility or clinic as they involve the administration of local anesthesia.

Cryosurgery for Plantar Warts

Another treatment option is cryotherapy. The warts are frozen using sodium nitride (or other cold solutions), which then wipes out the virus, causing the plantar warts to blacken and eventually fall off.

Plantar Warts Duct Tape Treatment

Plantar warts duct tape is said to be better than cryotherapy. The duct tape therapy involves covering warts in duct tape for 144 hours (or roughly 6 days). The warts are then soaked in water and then rubbed with either a pumice stone or emery board, very gently. The procedure can be repeated until the warts are completely gone, for up to 60 days. Duct tape seems to irritate the plantar warts and the skin surrounding the affected area, so the immune system kicks in. Plantar warts duct tape is now commonly used, sometimes in combination with salicylic acid.

Debridement or surgical removal is often not recommended, it can be performed. Ask your doctor about it.

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