Introduction to Plantar Warts

Plantar warts, a common type of foot warts, can be an unsightly and uncomfortable issue, especially when they develop between your toes. Often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), these warts are typically found on the soles of the feet and can lead to discomfort when standing or walking. In this blog, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment for plantar warts, including home remedies and professional interventions.

What are the symptoms of plantar warts?

Plantar warts develop on the bottom of your feet due to an infection by certain strains of HPV. The virus enters your body through tiny cuts or breaks in your skin, often in public areas like swimming pools and locker rooms, where people walk barefoot. Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing plantar warts.

Plantar warts are characterized by a fleshy growth on the soles of the feet, often appearing as a raised, rough, and hardened area. They can be painful or spreading, especially when located between the toes. A key identifier of plantar warts is the presence of black pinpoints or black dots within the wart, which are actually small clotted blood vessels.

How do you seek treatment of plantar warts?

If you suspect that you have plantar warts, there are several options for treatment, ranging from home remedies to professional interventions.

  1. Home Remedies: Over-the-counter salicylic acid is one of the most common and effective treatments for plantar warts. Available in various forms such as gels, ointments, or adhesive pads, salicylic acid works by gradually peeling away the wart's layers. Before applying the acid, it is recommended to soak the affected area in warm water for about 10-15 minutes and then gently remove any dead skin with a pumice stone or emery board.
  2. Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is often used by healthcare professionals to freeze and destroy the wart. This method, known as cryotherapy, may require multiple sessions to achieve complete removal of the wart. Cryotherapy can be slightly painful, and there is a risk of damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
  3. Prescription Medications: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger topical treatments, such as higher concentrations of salicylic acid, to treat persistent plantar warts. Another option is the application of imiquimod, which stimulates the immune system to help fight the HPV virus.
  4. Minor Surgery: If other treatments have failed, your healthcare provider may recommend minor surgery to remove the wart. This can involve cutting away the wart, using an electric needle to destroy it (electrodesiccation and curettage), or using laser treatment.
  5. Topical Immunotherapy: This involves applying a substance, such as imiquimod or diphencyprone (DPCP), directly to the wart. These substances stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack the wart. Imiquimod is an FDA-approved topical cream that boosts the immune response against the wart virus, while DPCP is a chemical that causes a mild allergic reaction and attracts immune cells to the wart site.
  6. Intralesional Immunotherapy: In this method, a healthcare provider injects an immune-stimulating substance directly into the wart. One commonly used substance is Candida antigen, which is derived from yeast. The injection causes an immune response that helps the body recognize and attack the wart tissue.
  7. Systemic Immunotherapy: In rare cases, systemic immunotherapy can be considered for extensive or recurrent plantar warts. This treatment approach involves administering medications, such as interferon or immune-boosting drugs, that enhance the body's overall immune response to the wart-causing virus.

When is it time to remove planter warts?

It is important to consider removing plantar warts in the following situations:

  1. Pain and Discomfort: If plantar warts cause significant pain or discomfort, especially when standing or walking, it is essential to seek treatment to alleviate the symptoms and prevent potential complications.
  2. Spreading: Plantar warts can spread to other areas of the foot or even to other people through direct contact or via contaminated surfaces. If you notice that your warts are growing or multiplying, it is important to treat them to prevent further spread.
  3. Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, undergoing chemotherapy, or on immunosuppressive medications, are at a higher risk of developing complications from plantar warts. In such cases, it is crucial to address the issue promptly.
  4. Interference with Daily Activities: If plantar warts between your toes are causing discomfort that affects your daily activities, work, or exercise, it is essential to seek treatment to improve your quality of life.
  5. Uncertainty of Diagnosis: If you are unsure whether the growth on your foot is a plantar wart or another type of skin lesion, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Painful plantar warts on toes don’t have to hold you back!

While some plantar warts may eventually go away on their own, seeking treatment in these situations can ensure a faster resolution and reduce the risk of complications or transmission to others. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

See a Doctor at the right time!

Seeing a podiatrist, a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions, can be an excellent choice for addressing plantar warts. A podiatrist can provide expert guidance and advanced treatment options that may not be available through other healthcare providers. Here are some reasons to consider seeing a podiatrist for plantar warts:

  1. Accurate Diagnosis: A podiatrist is well-equipped to identify plantar warts and differentiate them from other skin conditions, such as corns, calluses, or skin tags. Accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure appropriate and effective treatment.
  2. Personalized Treatment Plans: Podiatrists are trained to develop individualized treatment plans based on the severity, location, and size of your warts, as well as your overall health and medical history. They can recommend the most suitable treatments, ranging from home remedies to advanced medical interventions.
  3. Advanced Treatment Options: A podiatrist may offer treatments not typically available through a general practitioner or over-the-counter options. These can include cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgical removal of the wart.
  4. Comprehensive Care: Podiatrists can also address any underlying issues that may contribute to the development of plantar warts, such as biomechanical imbalances, improper footwear, or other foot-related problems. They can provide guidance on preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of future warts.

To conclude, you must always opt for expert follow-up care. Regular follow-ups with a podiatrist can help monitor the progress of your treatment and ensure the wart is completely resolved. They can also address any underlying factors that might likely become bigger issues for your foot and ankle health.

Be pro-active and schedule your appointments now.