What happens if you ignore Foot Warts?

Lesions, Warts, Zits, or Blisters. Whenever I hear this phrase, I think of children's fairy tales and witches with large warts on the tip of their noses. When someone discovers that they are suffering from a wart, their first instinct is to be embarrassed.

It is important to note, however, that warts are usually benign and do not pose a significant health risk. Most people think they can just use over-the-counter remedies, but this isn't the best strategy. If you get a plantar wart (foot wart), you should seek medical attention immediately.

The podiatrist experts at All-in-one Foot Care Center explain why you should not disregard foot warts.

What is Plantar Warts?

To begin, it would be helpful to dispel a few myths about who gets warts and how they are acquired. It is a common condition. A majority of the world's population suffers from them, roughly 10%.

There are about 100 or so strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) responsible for most foot warts, which are noncancerous blisters. Given their viral origin, it's no surprise that warts are more common in school-aged children – approximately 10-20% develop foot warts.

Walking barefoot in damp and warm public places, such as around saunas, gyms, or pool decks, creates the perfect storm of conditions for foot warts. A simple weak spot on your foot, such as a small cut, invites the HPV virus to enter the skin.

Foot warts may linger for a long time.

You may be wondering why a doctor would recommend that you treat a plantar wart when it seems so straightforward? Although foot warts often disappear by themselves, some troublesome warts may persist for up to 18 months depending on the type of HPV that caused them. There is no such thing as a miracle cure when it comes to over-the-counter medications.

Coming in for treatment from one of our podiatrists speeds up the process of removing your unsightly and humiliating foot wart. We offer a multitude of methods for treating plantar warts directly in the clinic to provide you with relief.

Plantar warts might affect your walking style.

The pain caused by plantar warts may be very severe. You will suffer every step you take if you do not treat a foot wart. Since foot warts grow on the sole of the foot, it's only natural for them to make walking a little more difficult. It is also common to avoid activities or exercises that exacerbate the discomfort.

Foot warts might spread.

Neglecting foot warts may result in them expanding as you attempt to treat them on your own, causing even more pain and making walking more difficult.

Consider visiting Dr. Arshia Roohian or Dr. Farshad Bathaee at All-in-one Foot Care Center instead of trying to treat your plantar warts yourself. To schedule a consultation, please contact one of our offices in Irvine or Laguna Woods, CA, or book an appointment in real-time.