Plantar Warts on Feet

Warts are lumps, which resemble small solid blisters. Warts are a viral infection caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). There are different types of warts, and plantar wart (verruca pedis) is one of them. Plantar means 'occuring on the underside surface of the foot'. Let us discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment of plantar warts on feet.

What Causes Plantar Warts on Feet?

It is caused due to direct skin-to-skin contact. There are over 100 types of HPV, and the virus that causes plantar warts is contagious. This virus grows easily in warm and wet conditions and is commonly present in public swimming pools, shower room floors, locker rooms, etc. So, if one has a cut, one can get infected easily, when walking in a public room which has this virus. This type of viral infection can also spread from one body part to another, by touching or scratching.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts on Feet

The initial symptoms of plantar warts on feet, are small grain like bumps,which are flesh-colored. Sometimes, plantar warts on feet, may have tiny black colored specs on them. It's time to see a doctor in case the following cases.

• If you have detected the warts in its initial stage.
• The warts become painful and change color.
• The warts multiply or remain, even after using home remedies.
• The warts hinder your day-to-day activities.

Plantar Warts on Feet Treatment

Are you wondering how to get rid of plantar warts on feet? Here, are some treatments for plantar warts and the precautions one should take to avoid infection by HPV. To prevent infection by this virus, avoid walking barefoot, in public places like shower rooms and, if somebody you know, has this wart infection, avoid or at least minimize your contact with that person. There is no vaccination which has been developed for this type of wart. The treatments involve either treating the symptoms or making the virus inactive. Here are some plantar warts on feet treatment.

Home Remedies: It is not advisable to try home remedies for plantar warts on feet, and if you are still hellbent on trying any home remedy, consult your physician. There are many natural remedies for plantar warts, which include using over-the-counter medicines, like applying neem oil and apple cider vinegar.

Medical Treatment: There are many types of medical treatments for wart removal, like using medicine for plantar warts on feet. Keratolytic chemicals like salicylic acid are topically applied on the skin, for peeling the wart affected skin. Immunotherapy is another method for plantar warts on feet removal, wherein the patient is injected with antigens. Chemical treatment involves topical application of a virucidal chemical which is a time-tested and effective treatment for plantar warts.

Surgery: There are various types of surgical treatments for plantar wart removal. It is sometimes excised, which may cause a lifelong scar. However, even after surgical removal, there is a chance of recurrence of warts. Many times, liquid nitrogen is used to remove warts. Cauterization is another treatment, where the affected skin tissue is destroyed. As a last resort, pulsed dye laser treatment is used in some cases. This is the most effective treatment but is expensive and painful. Even after the treatment, there is a possibility of recurrence of plantar warts.

To learn more about warts, read more on-

• Common Warts
• Genital Warts

This was an overview of plantar warts on feet. Do ensure that you try and avoid any infection and never ignore any tiny lumps on the skin, especially if you or your children are swimmers.