Foot Warts: What Causes Them
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections cause warts, which are noncancerous growths that develop in the epidermis (top layer of your skin). The warts are named according to where they appear on the body — palmar warts are on the hands, and plantar warts are on the feet.
It occurs when you have small cuts on the soles of your feet that allow the virus to penetrate. It is not inherently harmful to have plantar warts, but they may cause some irritation or pain, or some minor bleeding, as your weight exerts constant pressure on the area. The skin becomes thick and callused from this pressure.
If you suffer from plantar wart pain, that will likely lead to you shifting how you stand and walk, causing complications with your body mechanics.
All-in-one Foot Care Center understands that while plantar warts aren't generally medical problems, they can cause discomfort, so they offer several treatment options.
Viruses Are Transmitted In What Way?
Some people who come in contact with HPV don't develop warts after coming in contact with it. That's because the HPV strains responsible for plantar warts aren't the same as the ones that cause genital warts.
If you walk around barefoot in these areas, you are more likely to contract HPV. Swimming pools and locker rooms thrive in warm, moist environments. In addition to forming warts where the virus enters the skin, it can spread to other sites, causing new warts to develop.
The most common sites for plantar warts are:
- Adolescents and children
- Immune systems that are weakened
- Plantar wart sufferers who have had them previously
- In locker rooms, people without foot protection walk around without foot protection
The Appearance And Sensation Of Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are likely to look like:
- It is typically found on the heels, toes, or forefoot, where its small, fleshy, and rough texture can be felt
- Skin growths that cross normal skin ridges and lines
- The wart has grown into the foot, forming a hard callus over the spot
- Blood vessels that form black spots are described as "wart seeds" because they are small and clotted.
- Standing or walking can cause pain or tenderness
Plantar Warts: How Are They Treated?
Most warts disappear without treatment within two years, but you may need to have them removed if they are painful or irritating.
Many home remedies are available to remove warts, such as banana peels, duct tape, and freezing sprays. None of these are completely successful and take months to see significant results.
The treatment you receive in one's doctor's office will be much more effective. Dr. Roohian utilizes the following techniques:
An Acid Containing Salicylic Acid And A Chemical Containing Trichloroacetic Acid
In order to dissolve the wart, the doctor uses prescription-strength salicylic acid. This method often involves a series of treatments in which the acid triggers the immune system to fight the infection. Dr. Roohian may use stronger trichloroacetic acid if you do not respond after the series.
Infrared Therapy
In this procedure, warts are frozen off with liquid nitrogen, which destroys their structure and causes them to blister. A combination of cryotherapy and salicylic acid can be more effective, but you will still need several treatments to remove the warts. Dr. Roohian applies the solution gently to just the wart tissue. The blisters will slough off after about a week.
The Laser
Without its blood vessels, a wart dies and falls off when it is burned by a laser beam.
Surgery Of Minor Importance
Plantar warts are removed with a scalpel by Dr. Roohian reducing your risk of developing new ones. The procedure leaves no scars, so you won't have to worry about developing new ones.
You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.
📲 949-588-8833
🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637
🏢Irvine Medical Arts Building 113 Waterworks Way, Suite 250 Irvine, CA 92618
🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/
The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.
- Share this Blog:
