What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts grow on the heels or other weight-bearing areas of the feet. The pressure and friction of these areas cause warts to grow beneath a callus. Plantar warts are not a serious health concern, though many people find them uncomfortable and try to treat them anyway.
What are symptoms of plantar warts?
Symptoms of plantar warts allow you to accurately identify the problem your feet are having.
Black pinpoints, or small clotted blood vessels
Calluses over an inward growing wart
Tenderness when walking or standing
Small, rough growth on the bottom of your foot
If you’ve tried treating the wart and it reoccurs or multiplies, make an appointment with Dr. Cooper. You should also come into the office if you aren’t sure if the lesion is a wart or if it is bleeding and causing discomfort.
What causes a plantar wart?
When certain types of the HPV virus enter your body through cuts or breaks on the bottom of your feet, it can create warts. Not everyone who has had contact with HPV develops warts.
How can I avoid getting a plantar wart?
To reduce your risk of developing warts, always wear clean socks, keep your feet dry, and don’t walk around locker rooms barefoot.
What are treatment options for plantar warts?
Some doctors offer a salicylic acid or freezing medicine treatment to help remove warts. However, these treatments are not always successful. You can try other treatments such as minor surgery or laser treatment.
Warts typically go away on their own, but if you are experiencing any pain, make an appointment to see Dr. Cooper.